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.

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— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) December 9, 2020

"He made a mistake, he must be punished, no matter who it is – a player, a spectator or an official.

"It's a personal matter for everyone – some players were more affected than others. There were no conditions yesterday to finish the game.

"There are more important things in life and we are done today. Now we are happy with the match, to have won and we are moving forward."

Verratti assisted the opener for Neymar on Wednesday and created four chances in total as PSG finished top of their group for a fourth season running.

The Italy international missed PSG's opening three matches – two of which were lost – but returned to play a key role as he featured in 165 minutes across victories over RB Leipzig, Manchester United and Basaksehir.

"It's a huge satisfaction because we have come far," Verratti said. "We said we had finals against Leipzig and Manchester and it was another final today.

"We showed in important matches that we were there. It was not easy; I also listened to the criticism against Leipzig when they are a big team, who draw in Munich by making a big game, who reached the semi-finals last year.

"It was a complicated game and we won it. We won in Manchester and tonight, too, and we're happy."