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The Champions League match between Paris Saint-Germain and Istanbul Basaksehir was abandoned after both teams left the pitch following an alleged racist insult from the fourth official.
The game was initially suspended for nearly two hours after a fight started in the 14th minute when Pierre Webo, Basaksehir’s assistant coach, was sent off.
Video footage emerged that appeared to show Webo, a former Cameroonian international, accusing Romanian fourth officer Sebastian Coltescu of using racist language.
Ba confronted the referee about the incident.
Basaksehir’s replacement Demba Ba could be seen protesting on the touchline, while PSG players, including Neymar and Kylian Mbappé, also appeared to be demanding an explanation.
Demba Ba asked the official: “Why, when you mention a black man, do you have to say this black man?”
The Istanbul players left the field in the 23rd minute in protest, followed by the PSG players.
Basaksehir posted a message on his Twitter account that read: “NO TO RACISM #Respect.” It was retweeted by PSG.
UEFA initially said the match would be restarted with a different fourth official “after consulting with both teams.”
But Basaksehir said his players decided not to return to resume play after the incident.
Basaksehir’s Brazilian defender Rafael watches after the game is suspended
The game will now restart on Wednesday at 17:55 with a new team of officials. It will start from minute 14, the moment the players left the field.
A second UEFA statement read: “Following an incident in tonight’s UEFA Champions League match between Paris Saint-Germain FC and Istanbul Basaksehir FK, UEFA, after arguing with both clubs, has exceptionally decided let the remaining minutes of the game be played tomorrow with a new team of referees.
“A full investigation into the incident that took place will be opened immediately.”
PSG said in a statement that “all forms of racism go against the values of Paris St Germain and the club’s president, staff and players.”
He added: “For more than 15 years, Paris St Germain has led the fight against discrimination and continues to work to eradicate it in all its forms. Today the capital club is one of the most committed sports clubs striving to end all forms of violence and discrimination.. “
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the alleged racist comments and urged UEFA to “take the necessary measures”.
Erdogan said on Twitter: “I strongly condemn the racist comments made against Pierre Webo, a member of Basaksehir’s technical staff, and I am convinced that UEFA will take the necessary action.”
The Romanian Football Federation said Sky Sports News he would await the outcome of the UEFA investigation before taking any action.
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