BUCHAREST: Romanian referee Sebastian Coltescu, fourth official at Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League tie against Instanbul Basaksehir on December 8, has been suspended by European federation UEFA until the end of this season.

This follows the incident when he referred to Pierre Webó , second coach of the Turkish team, as “black”.

The resulting furore on the touchline led to the match being abandoned and played on only the following day.

However, according to UEFA, the disqualification has been imposed because he must “behave appropriately” and not because of “racism and other discriminatory conduct”.

A statement said: “[UEFA has] suspended Mr Sebastian Constantin Coltescu from the performance of any referee function until the end of the 2020/21 season, that is, until June 30, 2021 , for the violation of Article 11 (1) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations (RD) and Article 6 (1) of the General Terms and Conditions for Referees officiating in UEFA Matches (GTC), that is, for behavior inappropriate during a UEFA match for which he was appointed.”

Coltescu must attend an educational programme before June 30, 2021.

Octavian Sovre , the referee of the tie, has received an official reprimand for breaching the same articles.

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