Players from both sides walked off following the incident in a gesture Tottenham boss Mourinho described as “iconic”. Coltescu is accused of aiming a racist remark at Istanbul Basaksehir assistant coach Pierre Webo – who was shown a red card in the 14th minute – before players from both sides left the pitch.
UEFA is investigating the incident and the game is set to be resumed on Wednesday night with a new set of officials.
Mourinho described Coltescu’s actions as “unacceptable” and said he must “accept the consequences” as he expressed sympathy for Hategan.
“It’s a very sad situation and every form of racism has to be fought. It’s never accepted. I’m very sad because we don’t want that in football,” said the Spurs boss.
“I personally know the referee, Ovidiu Hategan. Good guy, very good referee. To be involved indirectly in a game that will become quite iconic is not a nice thing.
“The fourth official, only he can express his feelings. Of course he made an unacceptable mistake but only he can open his heart, apologise and accept the consequences. Probably he is a very good referee.
“Everyone in football and society, we have our responsibilities in relation to these situations and if we make mistakes, we have to accept the responsibilities.”
Competitive racing was the order of the day at the TCS New York City Marathon…
A coaching team from Bundesliga club 1.FSV Mainz 05 visited Totalsport Safe-Hub in Alexandra for…
An NBA season packed with African talent and colourful courts is underway, with games available…
Victor Mokoena and his team in the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park…
Rising Ethiopian marathon star, Abdisa Tola, and South Africa’s running great, Glenrose ‘Supercharger’ Xaba, created…
Zimbabwean Collin Kanyimo and British athlete Catherine Williamson took the trail honours in the 44km…