Champions League: "I apologise on behalf of Romanian sports" (I. Stroe, Romanian Sports Minister)

"We strongly condemn any expression or statement that may be considered racist or discriminatory. I apologise on behalf of Romanian sports for this unfortunate incident. It was a particular incident, not a representation of Romanian sport," said Ionut Stroe, Romanian Minister for Sport, on 09/12/2020, the day after the Paris Saint-Germain - Istanbul Basaksehir (TUR) Champions League match that was abandoned at the Parc des Princes (Paris, FRA) on Tuesday 08/12/2020.

Sebastian Coltescu (ROU), the fourth official, said he used the term "Negru" ("Black" in Romanian) to designate Achille Webo, former Cameroonian international and now assistant coach of Istanbul Basaksehir, accusing the latter of criticizing too vehemently the refereeing of Ovidiu Hategan (ROU).

"You never say 'this white guy' … Why, when you mention a black guy, do you have to say 'this black guy'?" asked Demba Ba (SEN), a substitute forward for the Istanbul club, to the fourth official, before both teams decided to leave the pitch.

"UEFA has - after discussion with both clubs - decided on an exceptional basis to have…