PSG set example in racism fight and will do so again – Verratti

Marco Verratti was proud that Paris Saint-Germain “set an example” by walking off the pitch against Istanbul Basaksehir on Tuesday following allegations of racism.

The fixture at Parc des Princes was suspended after 13 minutes when it was alleged fourth official Sebastian Coltescu had exposed Basaksehir assistant Pierre Webo to racist language.

Players from both sides refused to continue the match the same day and instead completed the Champions League Group H game on Wednesday after warming up in “No to racism” t-shirts and taking the knee in the centre-circle.

Verratti believes PSG set a good example and promised they would be standard-bearers again in the future.

“It was hard for everyone, for us as players on the pitch but also for those watching the game,” the midfielder told RMC Sport after a 5-1 win. “It is something that must not happen.

“We are watched by millions of people and we must set an example. We made a gesture by deciding with the other team not to play.

“The fourth official should be punished, to set an example for everyone, including our kids, and for him to change.

“The smartest thing was to stop playing. We will try to set even more examples in the future.