Pedro Neto facing Champions League ban after ‘unsporting’ ball boy shove | OneFootball

UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Pedro Neto following an incident involving a ball boy during Chelsea’s Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain.

The incident occurred late in the match at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night.

Chelsea were chasing the game during second-half stoppage time with the score at 4-2 in favour of Paris Saint-Germain.

Neto attempted to retrieve the ball quickly for a throw-in near the touchline.

The winger pushed a ball boy standing close to the advertising boards as he tried to take possession of the ball.

The ball boy fell to the ground following the contact.

Players from both teams quickly moved towards the scene as the situation briefly escalated.

The referee, Alejandro Jose Hernandez Hernandez, paused play to speak with Neto and both team captains.

Chelsea captain Reece James and PSG captain Marquinhos were involved in calming the situation.

No booking was issued to Neto during the match.

Play eventually resumed after the brief interruption.

Paris Saint-Germain later added another goal to seal a 5-2 victory on the night.

Following the final whistle, Neto approached the ball boy to apologise.

The Portuguese international was seen hugging the youngster and handing him his match shirt.

Neto later addressed the incident publicly during a post-match interview.

“I want to apologise to the ball boy,” Neto said. “I have already spoken to him.”

The winger explained that the moment occurred during a tense period of the match.

“With the emotions of the game we were losing and I wanted to pick up the ball,” he added. “He was keeping the ball with him and I gave him a little push.”

Neto also acknowledged that the contact had caused discomfort.

“I saw that I hurt him a little bit,” he said. “I am not like this.”

The forward emphasised that he immediately tried to resolve the situation.

“I went there to apologise and gave him my shirt as well,” Neto explained. “That cannot happen and I am really sorry.”

Despite the apology, UEFA confirmed that the incident will still be reviewed.

The governing body released a statement confirming the investigation.

“Disciplinary proceedings have been instigated against Chelsea player Pedro Lomba Neto for unsporting behaviour,” the statement read.

UEFA’s disciplinary committee will now assess the case and determine whether any sanction should follow.

The situation drew comparisons with a previous high-profile incident involving former Chelsea winger Eden Hazard in 2013.

Hazard was sent off during a match against Swansea City after kicking a ball boy during a League Cup tie.

Chelsea will now await UEFA’s decision while preparing for the second leg of their Champions League tie against PSG.