Referee Coltescu banned until end of season for ‘inappropriate behaviour’ after PSG vs Basaksehir ‘racism’ walk-off
UEFA have banned referee Sebastian Coltescu until the end of the season for ‘inappropriate behaviour’ during Paris Saint-Germain’s Champion’s League clash with Istanbul Basaksehir last December.
Coltescu, who was the fourth official in the match, found himself at the centre of a racism storm for his role in the dismissal of Basaksehir’s assistant coach Pierre Webo.
The Romanian referred to the former Cameroon international as ‘the black one’.
His comments sparked a furious reaction from Basaksehir hitman Demba Ba, who accused him of racism.
Webo himself fumed at the Romanian before he was ordered away from the touchline.
In a show of solidarity, PSG players joined their opponents by walking off the pitch.
European football’s governing body launched an immediate investigation into the matter.
And in a statement on Monday, they announced the suspension of the official.
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In their statement, UEFA revealed Coltescu had been suspended for ‘inappropriate behaviour during a UEFA match for which he was appointed.’
Additionally, UEFA have ordered Coltescu to ‘attend an educational programme before 30 June 2021.’
The players’ decision to walk off the pitch led to the abandonment of their Champions League Group H match.
The fixture, which PSG eventually won 5-1, ended up being played the following day.
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Immediately after the match, Coltescu took to social media to issue an apology for his comments.
He tweeted: “Racism was never my intention.
“In such an environment, people sometimes cannot properly express their feelings and can be misunderstood.
“I apologise in the name of the UEFA Champions League.”
According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Coltescu claimed his comments on the touchline had been misinterpreted.
He reportedly said: “I just try to be good.
“I’m not going to read any news sites these next few days.
“Anyone who knows me knows that I’m not racist! At least that’s what I hope.”