Pedro Neto put himself in danger for Chelsea's second leg Champions League clash with PAG after pushing a ball boy during the 5-2 first-leg defeat
17:20, 16 Mar 2026
Pedro Neto of Chelsea embraces a ball kid
View 2 Images
Pedro Neto pushed the PSG ball boy to the floor(Image: Getty Images)
Pedro Neto will be available for Chelsea when they take on Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of their Champions League tie on Tuesday, having avoided a ban for pushing a ball boy.
The Portuguese winger found himself under scrutiny for the wrong reasons during last week's 5-2 first-leg defeat, when tensions flared in the closing stages of the match in Paris. With Chelsea desperately seeking goals, Neto attempted to retrieve the ball quickly and pushed a ball boy over.
The incident sparked heated exchanges as PSG players intervened. UEFA subsequently opened an investigation into the matter, with the Chelsea forward facing a potential one-match suspension for "unsporting behaviour".
However, he has been let off with a warning from UEFA's Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB).
Referee Alejandro Hernandez was forced to intervene and calm the situation, whilst a VAR review took place for a possible red card, but Neto escaped any on-field sanction - and has now avoided retrospective punishment as well.
*FOLLOW OUR CHELSEA FB PAGE!Latest Blues news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page*
Following the match, Neto - who missed Chelsea's weekend fixture due to an unrelated suspension - apologised to the ball boy and handed him his match shirt. He also made himself available to the media straight away, acknowledging his mistake.
He explained to TNT Sports: "I want to come out and apologise for what happened on the pitch. I've spoken with the ballboy. With the emotions of the game, we were losing, I wanted to pick up the ball. I gave him a little push. I saw that I hurt him and I am sorry, as I'm not like this; Vitinha told him that I am not like that.
Chelsea forward Pedro Neto appeared to push a PSG ball-boy as he attempted to retrieve the ball
View 2 Images
Chelsea forward Pedro Neto appeared to push a PSG ball-boy as he attempted to retrieve the ball(Image: beIN Sports)
Article continues below
"In the heat of the moment, I'd like to apologise and I gave him my shirt as well. That cannot happen. I'm really, really sorry about that. I have to apologise to him. In the heat of the moment, with all the emotions in football, I wanted to get the ball fast, I gave him a push, and I wanted to say sorry to him. He was happy that I gave him the shirt and said sorry like, 35 times."
Chelsea now confront a daunting challenge in attempting to overturn their first-leg disadvantage following a 5-2 defeat at the Parc des Princes, having conceded crucial late strikes. The west London outfit had fought back on two occasions and appeared well-placed to secure a 2-2 stalemate whilst continuing to trouble the reigning European champions.
However, defensive lapses combined with moments of brilliance have left the Ligue 1 side firmly in the driving seat to progress. Manager Liam Rosenior remains optimistic, though his squad's preparations were far from perfect after suffering a 1-0 Premier League defeat to Newcastle on Saturday.