UEFA opens Porto racism probe

UEFA has opened disciplinary action against Porto after Manchester City players reported racial abuse in last week’s Europa League clash.

City won the round-of-32 first leg 2-1, but the match was overshadowed after Mario Balotelli and Yaya Toure claimed they were the subjects of monkey chanting from parts of the Portuguese crowd.

City lodged a complaint with European football’s governing body, while Porto insisted the chants were misunderstood and in reference to something else.

However, UEFA released a statement on Tuesday confirming disciplinary proceedings against Porto.

“Following a complaint lodged by Manchester City FC, UEFA has today opened disciplinary proceedings against FC Porto for the improper conduct of supporters … during their UEFA Europa League round of 32 first-leg match against Manchester City FC last week.”

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

The two teams will meet again next Thursday for the second leg in Manchester.