RACISM IN football took a new twist when a high profile Champions League fixture was abandoned on December 8 amid allegations of racism by an official at the famous Parc des Princes stadium.

Paris St-Germain’s Champions League game against Istanbul Basaksehir was halted with a match official accused of using a racist term towards one of the away side’s backroom staff.

Istanbul allege fourth official Sebastian Coltescu used the language towards their assistant coach Pierre Webo.

Former Cameroon international Webo was shown a red card in an exchange on the touchline.

A fiery debate was held on the touchline around 15 minutes into the game when tensions spilled over after the fourth official is believed to have directed a racist remark towards Webo.

Footage appeared to show Webo angrily asking why Coltescu used the word ‘negru’, which is Romanian for black.

Former Chelsea striker Demba Ba confronted Coltescu over his comments. “You never say this white guy… so why when you mention a black guy, you have to say this black guy,” Ba could be heard saying.

Istanbul Basaksehir’s players decided to leave the field at that point and the French players’ teams followed.

Basaksehir’s official Twitter account tweeted soon after the incident: “NO TO RACISM”

PSG also re-tweeted the message from Basaksehir after posting: “After a red card is given by the referee to a member of opposition staff, discussions continue between players and staff of both teams with the referee.”

Governing body UEFA said in a statement: “Following an alleged incident involving the fourth official, the match was temporarily suspended. After consultation with both teams, it was agreed that the match would restart with a different fourth official.

“UEFA will thoroughly investigate the matter and further communication will be made in due course.”

The incident was yet another example of players constantly having to navigate the unnecessary weight of educating on racism while simply trying to coexist within their professional settings.

The match will resume on Wednesday with a set of new officials.