Rangers’ European rivals Porto are poised to launch a bizarre defence after UEFA accused their fans of racism.
The Portuguese giants may see part of their stadium closed against Steven Gerrard’s side in the Europa League on October 24.
Porto were charged by UEFA after their match against Young Boys when their player, Jean-Pierre Nsame, was allegedly hit by racist abuse as he was about to take a penalty which he converted during their clash.
If Porto lose the case, they could be ordered to partially or completely close theirc ground for their clash with Rangers next month.
It's alleged the Porto Ultras leader, Fernando Madureira, chanted "monkey" into a loudspeaker which was then sung by the fans in the stand.
But Porto will cite evidence that states the fan's nickname is Monkey and the supporters were shouting his name.
Madureira said: "This is a misunderstanding. Everyone in Portugal knows me as Monkey. It's my nickname.
"The fans were shouting at me. Look at my Porto strips, they all have the name Monkey on the back of them. The monkey is me.
"UEFA can accuse me of racism all they like. It's not true and it's an embarrassing mistake from them. I'm very calm about it."
