City to file Balotelli complaint

Manchester City are to lodge an official complaint after striker Mario Balotelli allegedly suffered racial abuse from the crowd during last night's win at Porto.

The club informed UEFA's matchday delegate of their intention to complain after the 2–1 Europa League success at the Estadio Dragao and will follow it up in writing today.

There were suspected outbreaks of monkey chanting aimed at Balotelli and Yaya Toure during the first half, but it appeared most noticeable when the former was substituted 12 minutes from time.

The matter made for a sour end to first leg of the last–32 contest and overshadowed a fine comeback by City.

The Barclays 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.

City will now be confident of securing a place in the last 16 in the return leg at the Etihad Stadium next Wednesday.

Mancini said: "It was a good result because it is difficult to win here. The guys were fantastic.

"I think we are 60 per cent (likely) to go to the next stage, but Porto is a top team.

"It will also be a difficult game in Manchester.

“We should keep the same concentration we had tonight."

With City not in action at the weekend, the players will have today off and Mancini did not fly back to Manchester with the squad.

That means his expected first meeting with striker Carlos Tevez since the Argentinian returned to the club from his unauthorised absence will be delayed.