UEFA opens proceedings against PSG-Basaksehir match officials

UEFA has opened proceedings against Romanian officials Sebastian Coltescu and Octavian Sovre in relation to the events that led to the postponement of Istanbul Basaksehir's Champions League match at Paris Saint-Germain.

The game at the Parc des Princes was suspended after only 13 minutes when it was alleged Coltescu had exposed Basaksehir assistant Pierre Webó to racist language.

Demba Ba, playing for the Turkish side, was seen remonstrating with Coltescu and could be heard saying: "You never said 'this white guy'. Why, when you mention a black guy, do you have to say 'this black guy'?".

The match was completed a day later with PSG running out 5-1 winners. Prior to the resumption, players from both teams warmed up in "No to racism" T-shirts and took the knee in the centre circle.

UEFA launched an investigation into the incident and confirmed on Thursday proceedings will now begin.

UEFA opens Article 11 proceedings

A statement from the governing body read: "Following an investigation conducted by a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector regarding the events that led to the 2020-21 UEFA Champions League match between Paris Saint-Germain and Istanbul Basaksehir on 8 December 2020 being abandoned, proceedings have been opened against Mr. Sebatian Constantin Coltescu and Mr. Octavian Sovre for a potential violation of Article 11 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations."

Article 11 states member associations, clubs and players must "comply with the principles of ethical conduct, loyalty, integrity and sportsmanship".

Speaking in December, Ousmane N'Doye – a former Senegal team-mate of Ba's who played for a number of Romanian clubs during his career – said Ba and Coltescu had a productive conversation during a phone call he had brokered between the two.

"When I was in Romania, I met a lot of people there, I know how Romania works," N'Doye told Sport.ro. "If something happens to someone you know about, you have to say something. I saw Sebi's character at matches – my favourite referees know each other.

"I found out Coltescu's number and I told him I was with him. I know he's not racist at all. It was a misunderstanding. I talked to Demba Ba, he's my very good friend. I provided the assist for his first goal with the national team.

"I explained to him and he understood very well. I gave Sebi his number and I told him to call him to talk.

"I've never seen racism in Romania – people were shocked when they found out what I said about Romania. It's my country!

"I explained that to Demba. He said that he had not heard anything bad from Coltescu but believed that the word 'black' should not be used in the stadium. He did not say it was racism, he said that you can't use that word in the stadium and Sebi understood that.

"They talked and they got along very well. They both called me back and told me they were very happy. Demba told me that Sebi is a very good man, as did Coltescu about Demba."