Uefa Investigate After Alleged Racism Suspends Champions League Match

A UEFA Champions League group stage match between Paris Saint-Germain and Istanbul Basaksehir was abandoned in the 23rd minute after both sets of players walked off the pitch in protest at alleged racism.

Play was suspended after the fourth official, Sebastian Coltescu, was alleged to have used racist language to a member of the Basaksehir coaching staff, which prompted a walk-off from the players.

The PSG players then also walked off the pitch in solidarity. 

The match was eventually finished the following evening.

UEFA says it has launched an investigation into the incident, and has also confirmed that the remaining minutes of the match will take place on Wednesday night at 5.55pm GMT (6.55pm CET, local time).

In a statement, UEFA said: “Following an incident at Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League match between Paris Saint-Germain FC and Istanbul Basaksehir FK, UEFA has – after discussion with both clubs – decided on an exceptional basis to have the remaining minutes of the match played on Wednesday with a new team of match officials. The kick-off has been set at 18:55 CET.

“A thorough investigation on the incident that took place will be opened immediately.

Racism, and discrimination in all its forms, has no place within football.”

Both clubs reacted to the incident by posting statements on Twitter. Basaksehir said: “Our players have taken a decision NOT TO go back on the pitch after our Assistant Coach Pierre Webo has been exposed to racist behaviour by the 4th Official.”

PSG meanwhile, said: “All forms of racism go against the values held by Paris Saint-Germain, the club’s Chairman, staff and players.”