Chelsea winger Pedro Neto could face disciplinary action from the UEFA after pushing a ball boy during his side’s 5–2 defeat to Paris Saint‑Germain in the UEFA Champions League Round-of-16 first leg at the Parc des Princes.
The incident occurred deep in stoppage time with Chelsea F.C. trailing 4–2. Frustrated and eager to restart play quickly, the Portuguese winger pushed the ball boy while trying to retrieve the ball, sending him stumbling into a chair and triggering a brief confrontation between players from both sides.
European football’s governing body has since opened disciplinary proceedings against Neto for “unsporting behaviour”, and a decision on possible punishment—including suspension—will be taken by UEFA’s disciplinary panel.
The 26-year-old later apologised for his actions, admitting the moment was driven by frustration. “I want to apologise to the ball boy… in the emotion of the game I wanted to get the ball fast,” Neto said, adding that he spoke to the youngster and even gave him his match shirt as a gesture of apology.
On the pitch, PSG dominated the contest. Goals from Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembélé, Vitinha, and a brace from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia secured the emphatic win, while Malo Gusto and Enzo Fernández scored for Chelsea.
With a three-goal deficit heading into the second leg at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea face a daunting task—one that could become even tougher if Neto is handed a suspension.
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