Paris Saint Germain versus Istanbul Basaksehir will continue on Wednesday, from where it left off on Tuesday, after players from both sides walked away in protest, fourteen minutes into kickoff because a match official allegedly directed a racist remark towards the away side’s Assistant Manager Pierre Webo.
The ex Cameroon International was given his marching orders following what seemed like a heated exchange on the touchline, with the Turkish side’s players subsequently walking off the pitch in protest, before PSG players followed suit.
A new set of officials will be assigned for the game as both teams return on to continue the game from the fourteenth minute, with kickoff set at 18:55 (CAT).
PSG will have only the top position to fight for on the night, with Manchester United already knocked out after losing to Leipzig.
European football’s governing body said via a statement: “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.
“A thorough investigation of the incident that took place will be opened immediately.”
TV footage showed Basaksehir striker Demba Ba, who was a substitute, confronting the official on the touchline: “Why, when you mention a black guy, do you have to say this black guy?”
PSG defender Presnel Kimpembe was also spotted saying: “Is he serious? We are heading in. We’re heading in. That’s it, we’re heading in.”
A two-hour wait followed as the teams awaited confirmation on whether or not the game will resume on Tuesday night.
PSG forward Kylian Mbappe also had a message for Webo via a tweet: “Say no to racism. Webo we are with you.”
President Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey also reacted by suggesting UEFA would “take the necessary steps”.
“We are unconditionally against racism and discrimination in sports and in all areas of life,” he wrote on Twitter.
Pray PSG loses so united can qualify