Man City complain to UEFA after supporters hurl racist abuse at Balotelli during win over Porto
Man City complain to UEFA after supporters hurl racist abuse at Balotelli during win over Porto
ADVERTISEMENT
Manchester United players (blue) celebrate a goal during Thursday
night's Europa League match against Ajax Amsterdam in Holland.
Pic/AFP
City made an official complaint after striker Mario Balotelli was subjected to apparent monkey noises from the crowd during their 2-1 success at the Estadio do Dragao on Thursday night. After the game, Balotelli informed a club official he felt he had been abused. City midfielder Yaya Toure also backed up Balotelli's claim by saying he "heard something" from the stands.
Airborne: City's Mario Balotelli (centre) attempts to control the ball.
Pic/Getty Images
The midfielder said: "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 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.
The matter made for a sour end to first leg of the last-32 contest and overshadowed a fine comeback by City.
The Premier League leaders trailed to the Portuguese champions at the interval after a 27th-minute strike from Silvestre Varela. An own goal by Alvaro Pereira, who had been under pressure from Balotelli, gifted them an equaliser after 55 minutes and substitute Sergio Aguero snatched victory six minutes from time.
Valencia blow for Man Utd
Man United manageru00a0 Alex Ferguson admitted it is "a bad blow" to lose Antonio Valencia for four weeks with a hamstring strain. Valencia had only been on the field for 10 minutes following his introduction as a second-half substitute.
After playing an integral role in Javier Hernandez's goal in United's 2-0 win over Ajax in Amsterdam, Valencia was immediately replaced. Ashley Young was also on target for United.
Other results:
>> Lokomotiv 2-1 Bilbao
>> Salzburg 0-4 Kharkiv
>> Lazio 1-3 Atletico
>> Plzen 1-1 schalke
>> warsaw 2-2 lisbon
>> AZ 1-0 Anderlecht
>> Udinese 0-0 Salonika
>> Trabzonspor 1-2 psv
>> Bucuresti 0-1 twente
>> Hannover 2-1 brugge
>> Krakow 1-1 liege
>> Stoke 0-1 valencia
"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels 
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
