PSG v Basaksehir UEFA match suspended over racist abuse by official

The UEFA Champions League’s football match between Paris Saint-Germain and Istanbul Basaksehir was suspended over a referee’s use of racist language.

Players from the Turkish team were furious after assistant coach Pierre Webo was shown a red card by referee Ovidiu Hategan of Romania at Parc des Princes, saying Coltescu had used a racial term against Webo, who is from Cameroon, before he was sent off.

Basaksehir substitute Demba Ba demanded that the fourth official explain himself, while PSG players Neymar and Kylian Mbappe also demanded an explanation.

Basaksehir coach Okan Buruk said “you are racist” to Coltescu.

The score was 0-0 when the incident took place about 15 minutes into the match.

Webo was enraged and was heard to repeat at least six times “Why you say negro?” as he sought an explanation from Coltescu.

Moments later, Ba came off the bench and stood in front of Coltescu and said: "When you mention a white guy, you never say 'this white guy', you just say 'this guy', so why when you mention a black guy do you say 'this black guy?'"

Istanbul Basaksehir Football Club President Goksel Gumusdag initially said that the team will not return to the soccer pitch if the fourth referee does not leave the field. He later announced that the official had been discharged from duties.

The club's president Gumusdag also said that the game will resume on December 9 at 1755GMT.

Turkey’s President Erdogan also condemned the "racist remarks against Basaksehir’s staff member Webo" and believes "UEFA will take necessary steps over the incident."

“We unconditionally are against racism and discrimination in sports and all areas of life,” the Turkish president said.

During the interruption, Basaksehir posted a message on Twitter against a UEFA backdrop with the message “NO TO RACISM.”

PSG stars Neymar Jr and Kylian Mbappe also tweeted in support of Webo and against racism.

UEFA replaced Coltescu and pledged to investigate.

“Following an alleged incident involving the 4th official, the match was temporarily suspended. After consultation with both teams, it was agreed that the match would restart with a different 4th official,” UEFA said in a statement.

“UEFA will thoroughly investigate the matter and further communication will be made in due course.”

The match, being played behind closed doors because of the coronavirus pandemic, is decisive for PSG who need a draw to clinch qualification for the last 16 from Group H, which also contains RB Leipzig and Manchester United.