Young children also accused in Man City race row with Porto
By Ian Ladyman
Last updated at 10:47 PM on 19th February 2012
Porto fans making racist gestures at Manchester City fans in last week’s Europa League tie in Portugal allegedly included young children in executive boxes at Estadio do Drago.
UEFA are examining a complaint made by City minutes after last Thursday’s 2-1 win. They allege sections of the crowd were making racist sounds and gestures at City’s black players, Mario Balotelli and Yaya Toure.
Porto have denied the claims, suggesting their supporters were merely shouting ‘Kun, Kun, Kun’ in reference to City striker Sergio Aguero’s commonly used nickname.
Row: Mario Balotelli was allegedly racially abused by Porto fans
Mobile phone video footage available on the internet on Sunday appeared to blow a hole in these claims and it is understood City have sent that footage to UEFA to support their complaint.
City have not yet heard back from UEFA but it can be revealed that the governing body had contacted City, but only to inform them they have opened disciplinary proceedings against them after a section of City’s fans let off fireworks at kick-off.
Meanwhile, it emerged that members of City’s support seated in VIP areas saw children of ‘below teenage age’ making racist gestures from behind glass in the executive boxes.
Another: Yaya Toure (right) is also an alleged victim
One City fan told Sportsmail: ‘As soon as it started in the stadium we noticed kids in the executive areas starting to copy it.
‘It was disgusting. How Porto can claim there was no racist abuse of the City players is an absolute joke.’
City officials refused to comment on Sunday night when asked about the contents of their submission to UEFA and it is not clear whether allegations regarding children are in it.
Read more: MailOnline
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