By Andrew Warshaw
February 17 – Manchester City have protested to UEFA over alleged racist abuse aimed at their players during last night’s 2-1 Europa League victory at FC Porto.
Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure (left) and Italian striker Mario Balotelli (right) both complained about being targeted by the crowd.
“That’s why we all like the Premier League because it never happens there,” said Toure afterwards.
“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.
“Football is football and the fans come to enjoy the game, and we don’t want things like this to happen.”
Balotelli, no stranger to controversy having just served a four-match domestic suspension, was a regular target for racist abuse while at Internazionale.
After Wednesday’s game it was revealed that he, like Toure, had told a club official that he was subjected to taunts from the stands though no further details were given.
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