Apology: Chelsea winger Pedro Neto says sorry to a PSG ball boy after pushing him
Chelsea Football Newsletter
Pedro Neto will be available for selection in Chelsea’s Champions League last-16 second leg against Paris Saint-Germain after escaping a ban for shoving a ball boy.
It was confirmed on Monday afternoon that Neto, who could have faced a one-match suspension for “unsporting behaviour”, has been issued a warning by UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB).
Neto was eager to take a quick throw-in during stoppage time of Chelsea’s 5-2 first-leg defeat by PSG at the Parc des Princes last week, but in his haste proceeded to push a ball boy.
That act led to a confrontation between both sets of players, requiring referee Alejandro Hernandez to step in and diffuse the situation. There was a VAR check for a potential red card but Neto avoided any on-pitch punishment.
After the match, the Portuguese international apologised to the ball boy and gave him his match shirt. He also issued another apology when speaking to the media.
Last Thursday, UEFA opened disciplinary proceedings against Neto, with a statement reading: “Disciplinary proceedings have been instigated against Chelsea player Pedro Lomba Neto for unsporting behaviour in accordance with Article 15(1)(a)(v) of UEFA Disciplinary Regulations. UEFA’s disciplinary bodies will take a decision on this case in due course.”
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However, there will be no ban and Neto is in contention for the return leg against PSG at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.
The winger played no part in the Premier League defeat by Newcastle on Saturday after the Football Association (FA) handed him an additional one-match suspension and £70,000 fine for his behaviour after being sent off against Arsenal earlier this month.