The Champions League football match between Paris Saint-Germain and Istanbul Basaksehir was called off within the first 15 minutes following an incident that allegedly involved one of the match officials, according to UEFA’s governing body on Tuesday.
Teams Suspend Match In Protest
Both teams decided to leave the stadium in protest of allegations of racism against an official target of Basaksehir assistant coach Pierre Webo, a Cameroonian.
The Incident
After being shown a red card by the match referee, Webo could be heard broadcasting on French radio station RMC Sport repeatedly asking: “Why do say negro?” and identifying and pointing at the the fourth officer.
Basaksehir striker Demba Ba could be heard on BT Sport’s broadcast: “You can never say ‘this White guy,’ say ‘this guy.’ Now why when it comes to a Black man, you have to say ‘this Black boy?’ “
“After the alleged incident involving a fourth official, the match was suspended,” a UEFA spokesman told CNN. “After consultation with both teams, it was agreed that the match would be restarted with a separate fourth official.
UEFA’s Official Statement
“UEFA will investigate the matter further and communicate further in due course.”
However, UEFA later announced that the Champions League Group H match will be concluded on Wednesday and will feature various officials.
“Following the incident in the UEFA Champions League match last night between Paris Saint-Germain FC and Istanbul Basaksehir FK, UEFA – after consultation with both teams – has decided that the remaining minutes of the match will be played tomorrow with a new match management team,” he said. a CNN spokesman.
“The operation started at 18:55 CET. A thorough investigation will be launched into the incident.”
Shortly after the incident, Basaksehir tweeted: “Our assistant coach, Pierre Webo, has been released on the grounds of ‘racism’ by the fourth official investigator of the match. The match has been suspended.”
Reactions
A separate tweet was written with the message: “NO TO RACISM.”
PSG striker Kylian Mbappe wrote on Twitter that he supported Webo after the game, writing: ‘SAY NO TO INCLUDE. M. WEBO SINANI. “
PSG added: “All forms of discrimination are against the values held by Paris Saint-Germain, club chairman, staff and players.”
When the match resumes on Wednesday, PSG will need a win to secure a top spot in Group H ahead of RB Leipzig following the German club’s 3-2 win over Manchester United.
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