City to lodge abuse complaint

Manchester City are expected to file a formal complaint with UEFA after Porto fans allegedly racially abused Mario Balotelli and Yaya Toure.

Italy striker Balotelli was substituted late in Thursday’s Europa League tie at Estadio do Dragao to a chorus of boos and whistles from the home support.

Ivory Coast midfielder Toure confirmed 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 flashpoint.

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.”

Toure also praised Balotelli for maintaining his composure in the face of the alleged abuse.

“Mario is now able to control things like this and that is very important for the club,” he said.

City ran out 2-1 winners in the round-of-32 first leg match. The return fixture takes place at Etihad Stadium on February 22.