PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN’S postponed Champions League clash with Istanbul Basaksehir will be resumed at 5.55pm today.
Players from both teams walked off the field in solidarity after the fourth official, Romanian Sebastian Coltescu, allegedly sparked a race row.
Webo questions Sebastian Coltescu, circled far left, for his alleged choice of language
Demba Ba led the protests from the touchlineCredit: AFP or licensors
Approaching the 15th minute of the contest, Istanbul’s assistant manager Pierre Webo was the victim of alleged racist behaviour.
Cameroonian Webo was initially shown a red card by referee Ovidiu Hategan after he was singled out by Coltescu for saying something out of turn from the bench.
It was then that an incensed Demba Ba, a substitute on the night, confronted the official, with Istanbul later alleging in a tweet that a ‘racist word’ was said to Webo.
The former Chelsea striker could be heard saying: “You never say ‘this white guy’, you say ‘this guy’, so why when you’re mentioning him… listen to me… why when you mention a black guy, why do you say ‘this black guy’.”
In video that has since emerged, Webo appears to be heard asking the official why he said ‘negru’, which is Romanian for black.
As players come together in an attempt to defuse the situation, Basaksehir coach Okan Buruk could be heard yelling ‘you are racist’ to Coltescu.
As things became more heated on the sidelines, players from both teams walked off in protest.
According to French outlet RMC, Demba Ba and PSG star Marquinhos initially planned for both teams to walk back out onto the pitch ‘holding hands’.
Both players decided to walk off the pitch in solidarity
Manchester United crashed out of the Champions League last nightCredit: Rex Features
But in the end as the clock ticked past 10pm, Istanbul’s players decided they would not return to the pitch and were seen heading to their team bus.
It has been confirmed that the contest will recommence today from the 14th minute with a different officiating team in charge.
The result of the contest will not have an impact on Manchester United’s fate.
The Red Devils crashed out of the competition after a 3-2 defeat against RB Leipzig left them third in Group H.
Even if PSG endure a shock defeat to Istanbul Basaksehir, they will finish above United despite having a worse overall goal difference.
That is because the French champions have a better head-to-head record against the Red Devils.
Despite winning 2-1 in Paris, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side crashed to a 3-1 defeat at Old Trafford with Neymar’s 91st minute goal proving the killer blow.
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Solskjaer says Man Utd didn’t perform well enough as a team against RB Leipzig
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
