Porto have admitted they are stunned that Manchester City have made a complaint about alleged racist abuse towards Mario Balotelli.
Portuguese club say nothing abnormal happened during game
Porto have admitted they are stunned that Manchester City have made a complaint about alleged racist abuse towards Mario Balotelli.
City have informed UEFA that there was "monkey chanting" towards the Italian during their 2-1 win in the first leg of their Europa League last 32 tie on Thursday evening.
But the reigning Portuguese and Europa league champions say they are surprised by the accusations.
Porto spokesman Rui Cerqueira said: "What we can basically say is that nothing abnormal happened, no one noticed anything strange, not even the UEFA delegates that worked closely with Porto during the match.
"Kun, Kun, Kun; Hulk, Hulk, Hulk. (Those chants) can be easily confused with racist chants," he added describing two chants sung by Porto and City fans to strikers Hulk and Sergio Aguero respectively.
Respect
"We are very proud of having a multi-racial team, with players from all backgrounds and to have achieved many titles with respect.
"Porto players have never felt the slightest hint of racism and we were very surprised with the accusations."
However, City midfielder Yaya Toure said he had "heard something," telling
Sky Sports News: "That's why we like the Premier League because it never happens there ... maybe in a different country they don't expect black players."
Porto fans also contradicted their club's account of Thursday night's events.
Monkey chants
Supporter Francisco Pimento said: "Monkey chants were clearly heard, even if for just a brief moment and not coming from the whole stadium, particularly after a nastier foul by Balotelli.
"But it all died off afterwards, though Balotelli kept being whistled and booed from then on."
