Video: Erdoğan Uses Alleged Racial Remarks in PSG-Başakşehir Champions League Fixture to Take Jab at France

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) kicks the ball next to Turkish businessman Beraat Albayrak (L) during an exhibition football match as part the opening cerenomy of Basaksehir stadium on July 26, 2014 in Istanbul. AFP PHOTO / OZAN KOSE (Photo credit should read OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images)

After alleged racist remarks made by Romanian official Sebastian Coltescu towards Pierre Webó, an assistant coach for İstanbul Başakşehir, Turkey’s President, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, reacted strongly to the incident and came to the defense of Webó on Twitter

However, President Erdoğan couldn’t help but turn this into a political incident where he took a shot at France during a news conference in Ankara.

“This approach is unforgivable. Our determined stance will continue. France has become a country where racist rhetoric, actions are intensified.”

For those who don’t know, tensions between France and Turkey are at an all-time high. When Paris Saint-Germain was in İstanbul to play Başakşehir, players on the capital club squad couldn’t leave their hotel. 

We will see if French President Emmanuel Macron decides to take the high road and not respond to these comments. 

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Tags Champions League İstanbul Başakşehir Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
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