• Europa League

UEFA open Porto probe after City race claims

ESPN staff
February 21, 2012
Mario Balotelli claimed he was a victim of racist abuse during Manchester City's win © Getty Images
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UEFA have opened disciplinary proceedings against Porto following Manchester City's claims of racist abuse by the club's fans during their Europa League clash last week.

City lodged a written complaint after their 2-1 win at the Estadio Dragao, claiming Mario Balotelli and Yaya Toure were subject of racist abuse by the home fans.

Reports circulated during the match that Balotelli and Toure were subjected to monkey noises, and although City boss Roberto Mancini denied hearing anything, Balotelli told a City official he was subjected to racial abuse, prompting the club to report the incident to UEFA.

"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 of the UEFA disciplinary regulations) during their UEFA Europa League round of 32 first-leg match against Manchester City FC last week," said a UEFA statement.

"The UEFA control and disciplinary body will deal with the case on 29 March."

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