Porto coach says racism allegations are misunderstanding

Porto's coach Vitor Pereira watches a training session at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, northern England February 21, 2012.

REUTERS - Manchester City's complaints that striker Mario Balotelli suffered racist abuse during their Europa League match in Portugal last week were probably the product of a misunderstanding, Porto coach Vitor Pereira said.

"I did not notice anything, it was probably a misunderstanding which will be clarified by the due authorities. We don't usually have racism-related problems in Portuguese stadiums," Pereira said at a news conference in Manchester on Tuesday ahead of the second leg.

European soccer's governing body UEFA announced a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday to investigate "improper conduct" by Porto supporters.

"I did not hear any comment which should force the club to apologise. What I often hear are the fans chanting for Hulk, which he, himself, can confirm," the coach added.

Burly Brazilian forward Hulk, the driving force of Porto's recent success, backed up his coach's remarks.

"I did not hear anything; when you are on the pitch you are only focused on the match. In every match we play at home I hear my name and that can cause some misunderstandings, but the fans are rooting for me," Hulk said.

City host Porto in the second leg of the Europa League round-of-32 match later on Wednesday.

(Reporting By Daniel Alvarenga in Lisbon; Editing by Clare Fallon)