• Europa League

Porto claim misunderstanding over race complaint

ESPN staff
February 17, 2012
Porto claim fans were either chanting "Hulk" or "Kun", the latter in relation to Manchester City's Sergio "Kun" Aguero © Getty Images
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Porto have said they are "very surprised with the accusations" that their fans racially abused Mario Balotelli.

Manchester City lodged an official complaint with UEFA after hearing alleged monkey chants directed at Balotelli during the first half in their 2-1 victory in the Europa League on Thursday night.

However, Porto spokesman Rui Cerqueira believes that the apparent abuse was down to a misunderstanding and that that the supposed monkey chants were actually fans of both clubs chanting "Kun, Kun, Kun; Hulk, Hulk, Hulk" in support of their players.

"What we can basically say is that nothing abnormal happened," Cerqueira said in the Daily Telegraph. "No one noticed anything strange, not even the UEFA delegates that worked closely with Porto during the match.

"We are very proud of having a multi-racial team, with players from all backgrounds and to have achieved many titles with respect. Porto players have never felt the slightest hint of racism and we were very surprised with the accusations."

Yaya Toure had said after the match that he had heard the chants.

''That's why we all like the Premier League, because it never happens there,'' he told Sky Sports News. ''Maybe in foreign countries they don't expect black players. I think in future it will be okay, they will change their minds and the game will become more open."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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