The game between Paris Saint Germain and Istanbul Basaksehir in the Champions League match was suspended following allegations that the fourth official made a racist insult against Istanbul’s assistant manager. The incident lead to the Istanbul Basaksehir team walking off the pitch in protest. The PSG players shortly followed their opponents down the tunnel in solidarity.
After much uncertainty whether the game would resume, it was decided that the game would be played today.
Regardless of what happens tomorrow, PSG will advance to the last 16, after Manchester United lost to RB Leipzig in Germany this evening.
PSG and Istanbul Basaksehir Game Suspended Following Alleged Racist Remark
The Incident
The staff member in question was Istanbul’s assistant manager Pierre Webo – a former Cameroonian international. Webo had been sent off by the referee 22 mins in to the game. As he was sent his marching orders, Webo confronted the Romanian fourth official over something he said.
It is believed that alleged remark made by the fourth official was said to the referee – but was overheard by Webo – who took exception.
The Istanbul sideline erupted in outrage. Players and backroom staff surrounded the officials – demanding an explanation.
The score was 0-0 at the time of the postponement.
An incensed Demba Ba was picked up by touchline microphones – furious by what he had heard- said: “You never say this white guy, you say this guy. So why when you mention a black guy, why do you have to say this black guy?”
UEFA Release Statement Following Incident in PSG and Istanbul Basaksehir Game
Shortly after both teams walked off , UEFA released a statement saying that the game would resume today.
According to Get French Football News, Ba and PSG’s Marquinhos together made a plan to come back out on to the pitch – making a human chain by holding hands. But it seemed that Istanbul’s players were reluctant to return to the pitch.
Manchester United Will Play Europa League Football
Meanwhile, while all this unfolded in Paris – Manchester United were knocked out of the Champions League after a 3-2 defeat at RB Leipzig in Germany in the other Group H game. Late goals from substitute Paul Pogba and a penalty from Bruno Fernandes in the last 10 minutes were not enough to claw back a 3-0 deficit. Early goals from Angeliño and Amadou Haidara set Leipzig on their way. Then Justin Kluivert capitalised on a Manchester United mix-up to make it 3-0 on the 70th minute mark. As it stands, Leipzig top the group.
In a game where all the focus was on PSG needing a victory to progress – what unfolded paled everything into insignificance. The match will go down as a dark day for European football.
Main Photo
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