UEFA investigates Manchester City claims of racist abuse in Porto

Mario Balotelli and Yaya Toure complained about being subject to racially-based chants from sections of the home support at the Dragao on Thursday.

Feb 21, 2012 6:49:00 PM

By Ryan Benson

More On :  Manchester City, Porto, Mario Balotelli, Yaya Touré
Porto v Manchester City; Hulk and Mario Barotelli
Getty Images

UEFA has launched an investigation following the complaints of Manchester City players after they claimed they were racially abused by Porto fans when the two sides met on Thursday.

Despite falling behind, City went on to win the Europa League round of 32 first leg 2-1, but the match was overshadowed after Mario Balotelli declared he had been the subject of abuse from parts of the Portuguese crowd.

Balotelli’s team-mate Yaya Toure backed up the Italian’s claims in the aftermath, but the Portuguese club insisted the chants were purely misunderstood and were in reference to something else.

“Following a complaint lodged by Manchester City FC, UEFA has today opened disciplinary proceedings against FC Porto for the improper conduct of supporters (article 11 bis of the UEFA disciplinary regulations) during the UEFA Europa League round of 32 first-leg match against Manchester City FC last week," a statement read. “The UEFA control and disciplinary body will deal with the case on March 29."

The two teams will meet again on Thursday Feb. 23 for the second leg as Porto travel to Manchester looking to overturn the 2-1 loss.

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