|
|
Manchester City to report Porto for alleged racist abuse aimed at Mario Balotelli and Yaya Toure
The Ivorian confirmed he heard offensive chanting during the Europa League clash at the Estadio Dragao with the young Italian also facing a poor reception as he was substituted
17 Feb 2012 10:07:00
By Matt Scott
Manchester City are expected to file a formal complaint with Uefa after sections of Porto fans are believed to have racially abused Mario Balotelli and Yaya Toure during the side's Europa League clash in Portugal on Thursday night.
The Italian striker was substituted late in the game to a chorus of boos and whistles from the home support and the Ivory Coast star confirmed that he heard unpleasant chanting during the game.
English football has been rocked by racism scandals involving Luis Suarez and John Terry this season, and now looks set for another unfortunate saga.
When asked about the crowd's behaviour, Toure told SkySports: "That's why we all like the Premier League, because it never happens there.
"Maybe in foreign countries they don't expect black players. I think in future it will be OK, they will change their minds and the game will become more open.
"Football is football and the fans come to enjoy the game, and we don't want things like this to happen."
The powerful midfielder also reserved praise for Balotelli, who has a history of hot-headed behaviour, for maintaining his composure in the face of abuse.
|
Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
The Italian striker was substituted late in the game to a chorus of boos and whistles from the home support and the Ivory Coast star confirmed that he heard unpleasant chanting during the game.
English football has been rocked by racism scandals involving Luis Suarez and John Terry this season, and now looks set for another unfortunate saga.
When asked about the crowd's behaviour, Toure told SkySports: "That's why we all like the Premier League, because it never happens there.
"Maybe in foreign countries they don't expect black players. I think in future it will be OK, they will change their minds and the game will become more open.
"Football is football and the fans come to enjoy the game, and we don't want things like this to happen."
The powerful midfielder also reserved praise for Balotelli, who has a history of hot-headed behaviour, for maintaining his composure in the face of abuse.
Toure continued: "Mario is now able to control things like this and that is very important for the club."
How do you stay up to date with football when on the move? With http://m.goal.com – your best source for mobile coverage of the beautiful game.
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
Inside Goal.Com
-
Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line
England beat Norway 1-0 at Wembley, with the Manchester United man hitting an impressive winner to stake his claim for a starting spot at Euro 2012
-
In Pictures: The best and worst kits at Euro 2012
The European Championship is just around the corner and Goal.com distinguishes between the trendy and the passe at the prestigious tournament
-
The five players Rodgers could sign to kick-start revolution
The new Reds boss was unveiled to the press on Friday and must immediately begin work on revitalising a thin squad with some additions in the transfer market
-
Managerial merry-go-round keeps spinning as Lambert takes Villa job
The Scot officially left Norwich City on Saturday to become the second new boss in June, following the appointment of Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool on Friday
-
Rodgers ushers in new Anfield era on his own terms
The Northern Irishman inevitably expressed his delight at landing the Reds job but evidenced plenty of the steely resolve which could see him become a success at Anfield
