PSG and Istanbul players walk off during Champions League clash after alleged racist remark

A crucial Champions League group stage match was suspended after 18 minutes when both sides walked off the pitch in Paris.

Istanbul Basaksehir had already been eliminated from the competition and were playing for pride but PSG could still finish first, second or third in the group, depending on their own result and Group H’s other clash between Manchester United and RB Leipzig.

However, the game was stopped after just 13 minutes when a member of the coaching staff claimed to have been the subject of a racial slur.

PSG’s players followed their opponents down the tunnel in a show of solidarity (Photo: AP)

The Turkish side accused the fourth official of using a racist word in the process of identifying Istanbul assistant manager and former Cameroon player Pierre Webo for the referee to send off. Istanbul coach Okan Buruk was also given a yellow card and Basaksehir substitute Demba Ba, seen remonstrating with the referee after the incident, was shown a red card. Eventually, with 22 minutes on the clock, both sides walked off the pitch in protest.

PSG attacker Kylian Mbappe appeared to be encouraging his teammates to follow the Istanbul players off the pitch while defender Presnel Kimpembe was heard saying: “What? What? Is he serious? We are heading in. We are heading in. That is it, we are heading in.”

More to follow.

from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/2VTpylN