UEFA Opens Disciplinary Case Against Chelsea’s Pedro Neto After Ball Boy Incident

UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Pedro Neto following an incident involving a ball boy during Chelsea F.C.’s heavy defeat to Paris Saint‑Germain in the UEFA Champions League.

European football’s governing body confirmed on Thursday that the Portugal winger is under investigation for unsporting behaviour after the confrontation in Wednesday’s last-16 first-leg clash.

“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.”

The flashpoint came late in the match, which ended 5-2 in favour of PSG. With Chelsea trailing 4-2 at the time, Neto sprinted towards the touchline to retrieve the ball quickly and knocked over the ball boy in the process.

The moment sparked a brief confrontation involving players from both sides before order was restored.

Neto later moved to defuse the situation, apologising to the youngster and handing over his match 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 manager Liam Rosenior also addressed the incident after the match.

“If there was anything from our side that was wrong or out of order, I apologise on behalf of the club,” he said.

Neto has scored 10 goals in 42 appearances across all competitions for Chelsea this season.