text: Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers believes a 'very poor decision' by Michael Oliver's assistant referee was one of the reason's Liverpool were knocked out of the FA Cup semi-final by Aston Villa on Sunday night. With the score at 2-1 and just five minutes left on the clock at Wembley, much-maligned Reds striker Mario Balotelli had the ball in the net only to see the linesman unfairly flag for offside. Replays clearly showed that Villa defender Leandro Bacuna was playing Balotelli onside before the Italian slid the ball past Shay Given. Mario Balotelli (circled) is clearly onside as Steven Gerrard looks to play him through on goal . With Aston Villa leading 2-1, the Reds striker sweeps the ball home before realising his effort wouldn't count . Speaking after his side's defeat, Rodgers told BT Sport: 'It was very clear. It was a very poor decision by the official because he's looking right along the line. 'He should be able to see the full back is playing him at least a yard onside. It was a terrfici ball in, Balotelli has a good touch and he's in on goal. You need those to go for you.' Balotelli also criticised the decision, posting a screen-grab of the incident - showing him to be onside - to his Instagram page, with the message 'No words. This picture say it all' Rodgers' side had taken the lead after brilliant build-up play from Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho before the latter jinked into the Villa penalty area and curled a right-footed shot beyond Given. The semi-final showpiece was all-square just six minutes later after Christian Benteke swept home from 12-yards out following a neat cut-back from Fabian Delph. Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers admitted he was left frustrated by the assistant referee's decision . Philippe Coutinho gives Liverpool a 1-0 lead as Rodgers' side looked to earn a spot in the FA Cup final . The Villains captain earned his side a place in the FA Cup final with a 53rd-minute strike as Liverpool were unable to respond despite throwing on Rickie Lambert in the final stages. Speaking after the game, Delph told BT Sport: 'It was a great performance. It's been a tricky season for us but we believed we could do it. The gaffer is brilliant, he doesn't panic and we are so happy for the fans. 'I can't wait for the final. To walk out as captain for the final will be the highlight of my career.' Villa frontman Christian Benteke (left) celebrates pulling his side back into the semi-final clash . Fabian Delph is mobbed by his Villa team-mates after putting Tim Sherwood's side into a deserved 2-1 lead .
target: Aston Villa earn 2-1 FA Cup semi-final victory over Liverpool .
  Mario Balotelli's late goal was incorrectly ruled out for offside .
  Brendan Rodgers believes the goal should have stood .