Uefa open proceedings into alleged racism at Porto

16 February 2012 Mario Balotelli of Manchester City is pictured during his team's win over Porto in the Europa League. (GETTY IMAGES)

UEFA today responded to Manchester City's claims that two of their players were racially abused during the Europa League match at Porto by opening disciplinary proceedings against the Portuguese club.

City lodged a written complaint with European football's governing body after their 2-1 victory at the Estadio Dragao last week.

There were suspected outbreaks of monkey chanting aimed at Mario Balotelli and Yaya Toure during last Thursday's match. It appeared most noticeable when Balotelli was substituted 12 minutes from the end.

UEFA announced in a statement: "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 bis of the UEFA disciplinary degulations) during their UEFA Europa League round of 32 first-leg match against Manchester City FC last week.

"The UEFA control and disciplinary body will deal with the case on 29 March."

PA