Suarez and Balotelli steal the show during Gerrard and Carragher's Liverpool charity clash

The 28-year-old Barcelona forward was a half-time substitute for Steven Gerrard's team and earned a spot-kick off opposing captain Jamie Carragher, which his own skipper converted in a 2-2 draw in a contest organised in aid of the Liverpool FC Foundation.

Suarez was back at his former home for the first time since his summer move to Spain and was introduced at half-time along with ex-Reds striker Fernando Torres, the two delaying their entrance to appear in unison amid huge roars of support.

While it was unsurprising the Uruguayan garnered such adulation, Torres may not have expected a positive reception four years after he left Merseyside for Barclays Premier League rivals Chelsea.

The duo predictably forged a useful partnership for the final 45 minutes and it was Suarez who won the second penalty after he nutmegged Carragher before being hauled down by the television pundit.

It was a pair of strikers still plying their trade in this country who stole the show in the first half.

Liverpool's own Mario Balotelli broke the deadlock with a vicious, swerving hit from 25 yards and it was from the Italian's defence-splitting pass that Didier Drogba rounded Brad Jones and made it 2-0.

Gerrard, back on the Anfield turf seven days after his rapid dismissal against Manchester United, made no mistake against Pepe Reina from 12 yards to reduce the deficit before half-time and it was his second penalty in the second period that meant it finished all square.

Suarez could not muster up a winning goal as he headed the game's final touch into the side-netting, but the biggest cheer was still reserved for him during the lap of honour.