Romanian official banned but cleared of racism after abandoned Champions League game

Paris Saint Germain and Istanbul Basaksehir players leave the pitch at the Parc des Princes last December. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

The Romanian referee accused of racism during a Champions League game has been banned from officiating for the rest of the season despite being cleared of discriminatory behaviour.

Sebastian Coltescu, who was fourth official for Paris St Germain’s abandoned clash with Istanbul Basaksehir in Paris on December 8, and assistant referee Octavian Sovre were alleged to have used racist language to the Turkish club’s assistant coach Pierre Webo.