Confusion and anger swirled in the Parc des Princes during Paris Saint-Germain’s vital Champions League clash with Istanbul Basaksehir on Tuesday. Viewers watching from home were left Googling and searching on Twitter "why was PSG game suspended?" after watching all of the players exit the field in the first half.
In the 16th minute, Basaksehir’s assistant coach Pierre Webo was shown a straight red card after an argument broke out on the sideline. As Webo was being sent off he could be heard questioning the fourth official on why he used the word “negro.”
We are with you WEBO #NoToRacismpic.twitter.com/uI1TpHddl1
— mustafa¹⁹⁰⁵ (@mustafa70361) December 8, 2020
Why Was PSG Game Suspended?
Shortly after the incident both sets of players walked off the field in response to the alleged racist incident with the Romanian fourth official.
PSG vs Istanbul Basaksehir has been suspended following an alleged racist incident involving the 4th official towards Istanbul's assistant manager. pic.twitter.com/mLIkZiPK7u
— Champions League on CBS Sports (@UCLonCBSSports) December 8, 2020
Former Chelsea and Newcastle striker Demba Ba spoke with the referees asking why must the referee referred to someone as “this black guy.”
Demba ba is pressuring the ref rassslcartttt pic.twitter.com/2GpIdkGMsX
— AZ (@V1Loxzi) December 8, 2020
Top soccer reporter Fabrizio Romano tweeted that the fourth official referring to Webo as “the black guy” is what sparked the incident.
What a shame in Paris. 4th ref said “the black guy” when indicating to the ref who should be booked on Istanbul’s bench. Istanbul Basaksehir walks off the pitch for racism. “Why you call him black man?!”, Istanbul players are literally furious. #UCL #PSGIBFK
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 8, 2020
After the players left the field Basaksheir’s official Twitter account posted a picture denouncing racism.
NO TO RACISM | #Respect pic.twitter.com/Ic1BzfANoi
— İstanbul Başakşehir (@ibfk2014) December 8, 2020
Webo’s former club Fenerbahce also tweeted in solidarity after the players left the field.
We strongly support and stand with Pierre Webo#NoToRacism pic.twitter.com/8CckHVr6mX
— Fenerbahçe English (@Fenerbahce_EN) December 8, 2020
PSG star Kylian Mbappé took to Twitter in support of Webo too. The Frenchman's tweet was posted about an hour and a half after the players left the field.
SAY NO TO RACISM.
M.WEBO WE ARE WITH YOU.— Kylian Mbappé (@KMbappe) December 8, 2020
After a long period of the players not returning to play it was announced nearly two hours later that the game will be re-scheduled for Wedensday.
CONFIRMED: PSG - Istanbul will be played tomorrow at 12:55pm ET and restarted from the 14th minute. pic.twitter.com/ziMdHnJkmu
— Champions League on CBS Sports (@UCLonCBSSports) December 8, 2020