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November 13, 2024
Paris Saint-Germain vs. Istanbul Basaksehir: Champions League game suspended after alleged 'racist' incident involving match official

Champions League: New officials for match suspended after alleged racist incident

Tuesday’s game was suspended after both teams walked off the pitch in an apparent protest against an alleged racist comment made by an official towards Basaksehir assistant coach Pierre Webo, who is Cameroonian.

After being shown a red card by the match referee, Webo could be heard over the broadcast of French channel RMC Sport repeatedly asking: “Why [did] you say negro?” and pointing at the fourth official.

The match was suspended inside the opening 15 minutes and UEFA announced it would be concluded on Wednesday at the Parc des Princes in Paris.

UEFA told CNN that Dutch referee Danny Makkelie will lead the new team of officials and will be supported by fellow countryman Mario Diks and Poland’s Marcin Boniek.

Poland’s Bartosch Frankowsky will be the new fourth official whilst Italy’s Marco Di Bello and Maurizio Mariani will oversee VAR.

Romanian referee Ovidiu Hategan talks to Istanbul Basaksehir's staff members and players.

‘Webo we are with you’

During the incident, Basaksehir striker Demba Ba could be heard over the BT Sport broadcast saying: “You never say ‘this White guy,’ you say ‘this guy.’ So why when mention a Black guy, you have to say ‘this Black guy?'”

Both clubs tweeted its opposition to racism in the aftermath and PSG striker Kylian Mbappe tweeted his support for Webo.

“SAY NO TO RACISM. M. WEBO WE ARE WITH YOU,” he wrote.

On Wednesday, PSG tweeted its opponent: “Let’s play a great match tonight!”

Basaksehir replied: “We are a family! #NoToRasicm.”

A full UEFA investigation into the incident is underway.

When the match does resume on Wednesday, PSG will need a victory to guarantee top spot in Group H ahead of RB Leipzig after the German club’s 3-2 victory over Manchester United.