12-09-2020, 07:29 PM
PSG vs Istanbul Basaksehir: Romanian fourth official at the centre of racism accusations speaks out for the first time since the incident as he faces a ten-match ban
Sebastian Coltescu, the fourth official accused of using racist language towards Istanbul Basaksehir's Cameroonian assistant manager, Pierre Webo, sparking a player walk-off, has spoken out for the first time since the incident.
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The Group H encounter against Paris Saint-Germain was suspended midway through the first half on Tuesday night, December 8, after Pierre Webo vehemently protested a decision on the touchline.
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The 38-year-old accused Coltescu of racism after being shown a red card, with footage from the incident appearing to show him saying in Romanian: 'The black one over there. Go and check who he is. The black one over there, it's not possible to act like that' after Webo vehemently protested against a refereeing decision.
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It is believed Coltescu said "negru", the Romanian word for black.
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After a lengthy delay, the game was eventually called off with the remaining minutes to be played on Wednesday at 6:55pm local time with a new refereeing team in charge led by Holland's Danny Makkelie. read previous report here.Â
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Coltescu has now defended his character, insisting that 'anyone who knows me knows I'm not racist'
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'I just try to be good,' he said, according to Romanian outlet ProSport. '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.'Â
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A UEFA investigation has been launched following the postponement of the match at the Parc des Princes as both sets of players refused to continue midway through the first half.Â
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UEFA said: 'In accordance with the Article 31(4) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations, an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed today to conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding the incident.'Â
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The statement also said that 'a thorough investigation will be opened immediately' and that Coltescu does face the prospect of a minimum 10-game ban if found guilty of using racist language on the touchline.
Sebastian Coltescu, the fourth official accused of using racist language towards Istanbul Basaksehir's Cameroonian assistant manager, Pierre Webo, sparking a player walk-off, has spoken out for the first time since the incident.
Â
The Group H encounter against Paris Saint-Germain was suspended midway through the first half on Tuesday night, December 8, after Pierre Webo vehemently protested a decision on the touchline.
Â
The 38-year-old accused Coltescu of racism after being shown a red card, with footage from the incident appearing to show him saying in Romanian: 'The black one over there. Go and check who he is. The black one over there, it's not possible to act like that' after Webo vehemently protested against a refereeing decision.
Â
It is believed Coltescu said "negru", the Romanian word for black.
Â
Â
After a lengthy delay, the game was eventually called off with the remaining minutes to be played on Wednesday at 6:55pm local time with a new refereeing team in charge led by Holland's Danny Makkelie. read previous report here.Â
Â
Coltescu has now defended his character, insisting that 'anyone who knows me knows I'm not racist'
Â
'I just try to be good,' he said, according to Romanian outlet ProSport. '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.'Â
Â
A UEFA investigation has been launched following the postponement of the match at the Parc des Princes as both sets of players refused to continue midway through the first half.Â
Â
UEFA said: 'In accordance with the Article 31(4) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations, an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed today to conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding the incident.'Â
Â
The statement also said that 'a thorough investigation will be opened immediately' and that Coltescu does face the prospect of a minimum 10-game ban if found guilty of using racist language on the touchline.