The Champions League group stage fixture PSG vs Istanbul Basaksehir game was halted after a fourth official was accused of racism.
Play has been suspended in PSG’s Champions League clash against Istanbul Basaksehir after an alleged racist remark.
Tempers flared as a fiery debate happened on the touchline around the 15th minute mark into the game with tensions spilling over at the Parc des Princes.
PSG vs. Istanbul Basaksehir has been suspended as both teams walked off the field to protest alleged racial abuse by the fourth official toward Istanbul assistant manager Pierre Webo.
(via @UCLonCBSSports) pic.twitter.com/tVd4lqGnMI
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 8, 2020
The Istanbul Basaksehir players felt it was best to left the pitch around 22 minutes in as refereeing officials, club officials, coaching staff and players discussed what they witnessed happening.
Basaksehir assistant manager Pierre Webo was sent off on the 14th minute after words were exchanged with fourth official Sebastian Coltescu from Romania.
Former Chelsea, West Ham and Newcastle striker Demba Ba led his team-mates down the touchline after several minutes of discussion.
Ba stormed towards fourth official Sebastian Coltescu to question why he had used the racist phrase to identify Webo.
He said: ‘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”.’
Istanbul quickly took to their social media and tweeted “NO TO RACISM” just minutes after the encounter.
The likes of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe watched on and tried the understand what was happening as the scenes unfolded during the crunch Group I decider.
Fabrizio Romano wrote via Twitter: What a shame in Paris. 4th ref said “the black guy” when indicating to the ref who should be booked on Istanbul’s bench. Istanbul Basaksehir walks off the pitch for racism. “Why you call him black man?!”, Istanbul players are literally furious.
Fans reacted after seeing the PSG vs Istanbul Basaksehir game halted after a fourth official is accused of racism…
He is making an interesting point. There’s something to be learned here.
— Lost Skis (@LostSkis) December 8, 2020
Demba Ba doesn’t take no shit, it’s not all strawberry sryup and knee slides. I want him by my side at The Den. These Millwall fans wouldn’t know what hit them.
— MAH (@matissearmani) December 8, 2020
Say no to racism
— AfcMo 😞 (@AfcMed01) December 8, 2020
My absolute respect to Demba Ba and every player from PSG and Istanbul Basaksehir who has willingly walked off. This is not just a footballing issue, this is a lot more.
If walking off the pitch is the only way to send a message, so be it. Nothing but solidarity with them.
— ExpectedChelsea (@ExpectedChelsea) December 8, 2020
Disgraceful scenes at PSG vs Instanbul. Both teams refused to start the match after accusations of racism towards the 4th official.
Play will resume shortly, after the referees have been replaced.
The referee was heard calling Demba Ba a n***er via the pitch side microphones. pic.twitter.com/bBVf03UXF3— BallerAFC (On loan at Nottingham Forest) (@BallerAFC_) December 8, 2020
Good to see both teams walk off in protest of the alleged racism from the 4th official towards the Istanbul Basaksehir coach. Very encouraging to see PSG players walk off with Istanbul Basaksehir in support of them. 👏 #PSGIBFK
— Spencer (@SpencerOwen) December 8, 2020
My respect for the players are higher than ever right now. #PSGIBFK pic.twitter.com/6Zucf5QwSv
— tati 🌸 (@okayytatii) December 8, 2020
PSG and Istanbul did exactly the right thing. Racism has absolutely no place in today’s game. Respect to both of them #PSGIBFK
— Ryan🇧🇷 (@FavelaFIair) December 8, 2020
Terrible scenes in Instanbul.
Başakşehir have walked off the pitch vs PSG after the 4th official reportedly labelled Demba Ba “this black guy.”
Well done to Demba and his teammates. #PSGIBFK pic.twitter.com/WdIYWLiC4Y
— Syed 🇺🇿 (@Drakeswriter1) December 8, 2020
A huge moment in football in the fight against racism. All the PSG & Istanbul Basaksehir players and staff have walked off the pitch after a fourth official has been accused of racism. Solidarity from both teams to make this powerful statement ✊🏿✊🏼 #UCL #SayNoToRacism
— Jules Breach (@julesbreach) December 8, 2020
The most loathsome of stones is unfortunately turned over again in Paris. Inexplicable actions from so-called officials. Demba Ba a towering figure of respect and justice. Mutual respect and disdain from PSG and Istanbul Basaksehir as they leave the field. Historic. #PSGIBFK
— Poetic Peter Drury (@PoeticPeter) December 8, 2020
Is there a way we can gift our Europa League spot to Istanbul @ChampionsLeague?
— RiZzy🔴 (@RiZzyUTD) December 8, 2020
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