PSG & Istanbul Basaksehir Wear Anti-Racism Shirts & Take Knee Together as Champions League Clash Resumes
By Ali Rampling
PSG and Istanbul Basaksehir players wore anti-racism T-shirts during the warm up and took the knee during the Champions League anthem as the pair resumed their unfinished European fixture on Wednesday evening.
The two teams walked off the pitch after fourth official Sebastian Coltescu was accused of using a racist term to describe Basaksehir assistant coach Pierre Webo on Tuesday.
Webo had been sent off following an exchange on the touchline, before heated discussions ensued. Istanbul players to walked off the pitch in protest, with opponents PSG following suit.
There was then a two hour wait before it was confirmed the game would not be completed on Tuesday, and the two teams took to the field at the Parc des Princes to resume the match from the 14th minute on Wednesday.
A completely new team of officials were appointed for the fixture - Danny Makkelie, Mario Diks, Marcin Boniek and Bartosz Frankowski - and they, alongside players of both PSG and Basaksehir wore T-shirts branding the words 'No to Racism" during the warm up.
Players and officials stood together around the centre circle during the playing of the Champions League anthem - integrated, not separated into their two sides - and took the knee. Many players simultaneously did the black power salute by raised their fists.
Uefa confirmed that they will begin an investigation into Tuesday evening's events.
"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 statement from the governing body read. "A thorough investigation on the incident that took place will be opened immediately."
PSG had already confirmed their qualification for the last 16 following Manchester United's defeat to RB Leipzig on Tuesday - but last season's defeated finalists required a win to top the group.