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Balotelli, Toure accuse Porto fans of racist remarks

Comment: 0 February 17th, 2012 by: admin

MANCHESTER City’s recent win over Porto in the Europa League was marred by what allegedly were racist chants aimed at Mario Balotelli and Yaya Toure.

The Premier League leaders filed a complaint to UEFA immediately after Balotelli insisted that he heard what seemed to be monkey noises coming from the crowd directed at him late in the match.

According to the striker, he heard the noises while he was walking off the pitch on the 77^th minute to make way for Sergio Aguero’s entry.  Reports indicated that the sounds could also be heard as Balotelli was running after a pass earlier in the game.

Toure stood by Balotelli’s claim, and added that he heard the same sounds directed at him as well as he attempted to dispute a decision by referee Cuneyt Cakir.  His brother Kolo, who stayed in the stands throughout the match, confirmed hearing the sounds and being shocked by them.

If the claims are confirmed, the incident will add to the already growing racism issue currently ravaging the Premier League.

Perhaps forgetting this fact, however, Yaya Toure lauded the League, describing it as having a more tolerant nature.

After confirming that he “heard something”, Toure continued “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 the 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.”

When asked about Balotelli’s reaction to the chanting, the midfielder observed that the controversial striker showed utmost restraint.

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

When asked about the incident, City manager Roberto Mancini stated that he had not heard the chants as his focus was on the match, which they won 2-1.

“I didn’t hear this because I was concentrating on the game,” he said.  “But I don’t know.  I think Mario and Yaya are strong.  Nobody has spoken to me about it.”

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