Chelsea’s Pedro Neto faces UEFA punishment for pushing ball boy
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Pedro Neto checking on ball boy after pushing him during Chelsea's Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain. Neto is facing disciplinary action over the incident for unsporting behaviour.
PHOTO: REUTERS
- UEFA is investigating Pedro Neto for "unsporting behaviour" after he pushed a ball boy in Chelsea's 5-2 loss to Paris Saint-Germain.
- Neto apologised for pushing the ball boy, explaining it was in the "heat of the moment" and gave him his shirt as a gesture of apology.
- Neto potentially faces a suspension for the second leg on March 17; Chelsea coach Liam Rosenior apologised on behalf of the club.
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PARIS - Pedro Neto is set to be punished by UEFA for pushing a ball boy during his team’s 5-2 defeat by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League after European football’s governing body announced on March 12 it had opened disciplinary proceedings.
“Disciplinary proceedings have been instigated against... Pedro Neto for unsporting behaviour,” a UEFA statement said.
“UEFA’s disciplinary bodies will take a decision on this case in due course.”
Neto knocked over the ball boy as he ran over to grab the ball late in the last 16 first leg on March 11, with Chelsea trailing 4-2 at the time.
The incident led to a mass altercation involving players from both teams, and Neto later apologised and gave the ball boy his shirt.
“We were losing and in the emotion of the game I wanted to get the ball fast and I gave him a little push,” Neto told broadcaster TNT Sports.
“I’m not like this. It was in the heat of the moment and I want to apologise. I gave him my shirt. I’m really sorry about it – I feel I have to apologise to him.”
Chelsea coach Liam Rosenior added: “If there was anything from our side that was wrong or out of order, I apologise on behalf of the club.”
Neto, who has scored 10 goals in 42 games in all competitions for Chelsea this season, could face a suspension for the March 17 second leg. AFP
Paris Saint-Germain defenders Achraf Hakimi (centre) and Marquinhos holding Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez after the March 11 incident involving Chelsea’s Pedro Neto.
PHOTO: AFP
