CITY FURY AT PORTO’S SILVA RANT

MANCHESTER CITY have hit back at Porto for claiming in an explosive letter to the Portuguese club’s fans that Etihad midfielder Bernardo Silva was “convicted of racism”

There was already ill-feeling between the teams after their Champions League group games, with Porto boss Sergio Conceicao accusing Pep Guardiola of poor conduct on the touchline and putting

pressure on match officials. But Porto’s extraordinary allegation, made in a newsletter sent following Tuesday’s 0-0 draw with City, has increased the hostility.

In a clear reference to Silva, Porto questioned why a Portuguese broadcaster offered “a shirt to an opponent who is known internationally for having been convicted of racism”.

Midfielder Fernandinho (right) was also targeted as being ng “a clear example that in football money counts a lot, but it doesn’t buy class”.

Furious City responded by pointing to Porto’s history of racism.

They were fined £16,700 by UEFA in 2012 for racist abuse from fans directed at Mario Balotelli during a Europa League tie with City.

A City spokesman said: “This isn’t the first time Porto have reacted badly in circumstances like this.

“On this occasion it is the ill-judged and targeted criticism of some of our individual players and indeed our manager, which we wholly reject.

“In 2012, the last season we encountered them, it was the denial by the club of clear racist behaviour of their fans for which they were investigated and fined. In this context, this latest outburst is almost as surprising as it is disappointing.”