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Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has defended the club's supporters in the row with UEFA.

Fans at the Etihad booed the Champions League anthem prior to City's midweek win over Sevilla and European football's governing body has opened disciplinary proceedings against the club.

"I don't know why Uefa think this about our fans," said Pellegrini.

"They pay for tickets and, with respect, can express what they feel."

City will discover their fate on November 19 when the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body come together.

The incident follows a similar incident which occurred in November 2014 before a home clash against CSKA Moscow, with City fans booing when they were believed to have been unhappy with UEFA's decision to hand the Russian club a paltry fine for racially abusing Yaya Toure in an earlier fixture.

Pellegrini's side face city rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday and the Chilean has denied rifting with Vincent Kompany after the captain was only an injury-time substitute against Sevilla.

It is rumoured Pellegrini is unhappy with Kompany for playing for Belgium - against City's wishes - during the recent international break.

(Image: Sport Image)

"I'm not punishing Vincent," said Pellegrini. "I don't have a problem in my relationship with Vincent.

"It was important for him to work some days before he returns to the team and we need to choose the best starting XI.

"Mangala and Otamendi are doing well."