By Andrew Warshaw
February 22 – UEFA have opened disciplinary proceedings against Porto for “improper conduct” of their fans during the recent Europa League match against Manchester City.
City officials made an official complaint to the European governing body following their first-leg win in Portugal last week citing alleged racial towards striker Mario Balotelli and Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure.
A statement from UEFA said that it would deal with the case on March 29.
“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,” a statement said.
UEFA had been waiting to see the report from its match delegate before deciding whether to launch a full investigation.
Porto coach Vitor Pereira said the culture of Portuguese football was totally alien to racism.
“Normally in our league and our stadiums we don’t have problems like that regarding racism,” he said, claiming there might have been a misunderstanding over the chanting in the first game.
If found guilty, Porto could face playing behind closed doors or even being banned though a fine is the most likely sanction.
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