Newcastle fans took to social media to lead the applause for Demba Ba after the former Toon striker stood up to alleged racism during the Champions League clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Istanbul Basaksehir.
Players from both sides refused to play out the rest of the match after an alleged racial slur was made, with the remark said to be used to refer to Basaksehir assistant manager Pierre Webo, who had been sent to the stands.
After protesting, Webo left the technical area, but former Newcastle star Ba, who was on the bench for Basaksehir, continued to ask questions of the officials.
Following an extended period of discussion, both sets of players walked off in protest, with the match postponed until later on today.
Fans were quick to praise Ba for his role in the events, with Newcastle fans happy that their former player was leading the charge.
@JanaMitaa - Big respect to BA #DembaBa #Notoracism
@Ar_Kamsi - #DembaBa #PSGBAS #Notoracism Not all heroes wear capes
@iam_Godwin22 - Well done @dembabafoot Say no to racism #DembaBa
@zavy80 - Well done Demba Ba and both sides for making a stand!!! No place for racism in football or anywhere!! #Notoracism
@BenjawiBen - Demba Ba was and still is a brilliant striker. One of the best I've seen at Newcastle. But the way he went at that fourth official tonight... wow, what a legend. Love that guy.
@reegnufc - I absolutely love Demba Ba #nufc
@mirage_b - Get in there Demba Ba. There’s no place for racism. #NUFC #PSGIBFK
@AdamP1242 - I didn’t think I could love Demba Ba anymore than I already do. What a player and what a role model #NUFC
UEFA revealed in a statement that an inquiry has been launched into the incident, which was covered heavily on television with microphones able to pick up the entire exchange due to the lack of fans in the stadium.
"UEFA will conduct a thorough investigation,” said a statement on Twitter. “Racism and discrimination in all its forms has no place in football #notoracism”.
