The UEFA Champions League match between Paris Saint-Germain and Istanbul Basaksehir was abandoned after both teams walked off after the fourth official used a racist slur against Istanbul’s assistant manager.
Pierre Webo of Istanbul Basaksehir was sent off in the 14th minute but controversy struck as the fourth official used a racist term to refer to Webo.
The match was initially suspended for two hours after both teams walked off the field but it was later officially canceled after the teams refused to take to the field again.
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Here is the video of the incident:
PSG and Istanbul Basaksehir was suspended after a match official was accused of racism. It will now be played on Wednesday.
(âš WARNING: This video contains offensive language) pic.twitter.com/5HypNqvirR
— GOAL (@goal) December 8, 2020
Istanbul’s striker Demba Ba confronted the official in defense of his team member as well.
The moment Istanbul Basaksehir's Demba Ba reports the racist abuse by the fourth official at Paris Saint-Germainhttps://t.co/RlLAmtQUUF
— Rob Harris (@RobHarris) December 8, 2020
PSG forward Kylian Mbappe resorted to Twitter to voice his support for Pierre Webo.
SAY NO TO RACISM. ❌❌❌
M.WEBO WE ARE WITH YOU. ✊🏽
— Kylian MbappĂ© (@KMbappe) December 8, 2020
UEFA has decided to thoroughly investigate the incident and has said that there is no room for racism in football.
Consequently, it has issued a statement that reads, “Following an incident at tonight’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 tomorrow with a new team of match officials”.
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“A thorough investigation on the incident that took place will be opened immediately,” it stated.
Footballers from around the world have condoned the actions of the fourth official and have offered their support to Webo.
Pierre Webo is a former Cameroonian striker who has represented the Turkish clubs Fenerbahce and Istanbul Basaksehir in his playing days. He has earned 58 caps and scored 19 goals for his country.
