Players Walk Off Field After Racist Incident In PSG Vs. Istanbul Basaksehir Champions League Game

Paris Saint Germain defeated Istanbul Basaksehir 5-1 one day after the fixture was postponed. 

The PSG and Istanbul Basaksehir was scheduled to take place on Dec. 8 at the Parc des Princes. The game was called off following a racist incident that involved a fourth official, Sebastian Coltescu and Basaksehir’s assistant coach Pierre Webo. 

The incident occurred when Webo was sent off for complaining about the referee’s decision. While asking for Webo to be sent off, Coltescu allegedly racially abused Webo. As a result, PSG and Basaksehir players walked off the pitch and decided not to carry on with the game. 

The UEFA released a statement concerning the game that said, “Following an alleged incident involving the fourth official, the match was temporarily suspended. After consultation with both teams, it was agreed that the match would restart with a different fourth official. Uefa will thoroughly investigate the matter and further communication will be made in due course.”

The incident gained a lot of attention in the football world. PSG star Kylian Mbappe tweeted on his official Twitter account, “Say No To Racism. M.Webo We Are With You.” PSG star Neymar Jr. tweeted “Black Lives Matter.” 

Tottenham coach Jose Mourinho also commented on the incident and said, “It’s a very sad situation and every form of racism has to be fought. It’s never accepted. I’m very sad because we don’t want that in football.” 

As the match took place the day after, PSG managed to defeat the Turkish club and top Group H. In the first half, Neymar scored the first two goals and then PSG was awarded a penalty scored by Kylian Mbappe. In the second half, Neymar scored his side’s fourth goal and his third in the game. Afterward, Basaksehir’s Mehmet Topal scored his side’s only goal followed by a goal from Mbappe. 

Article by Nour Safwat