Pedro Neto is at risk of being banned after Uefa opened an investigation into the winger pushing a ballboy during Chelsea’s 5-2 defeat at Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League tie on Wednesday.
Neto apologised for the incident and gave his shirt to the ballboy after the game but that has not been enough to avert the possibility of disciplinary action. Uefa said it was investigating the Portugal international for “unsporting behaviour” and that its “disciplinary bodies will take a decision on this case in due course”.
The prospect of the case being dealt with swiftly means Neto could receive a suspension before Chelsea host PSG in the second leg on Tuesday. Other potential sanctions include a fine or a warning.
The incident took place when Neto tried to retrieve the ball after it went out for a throw-in. The former Wolves player pushed the ballboy, who fell to the turf. An argument broke out between opposing players before order was restored.
Neto was quick to address his actions after the match. “I want to apologise to the ballboy; I have already spoken to him,” he told TNT Sport. “We were losing and in the emotion of the game I wanted to get the ball fast and I gave him a little push. 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.”
Liam Rosenior also expressed regret over the incident. “I saw there was an altercation with the ball boy,” Chelsea’s head coach said. “But if there was anything from our side that was wrong or out of order, I apologise on behalf of the club. But I think Pedro has done in interviews. I genuinely haven’t seen it back.”
Indiscipline has been a constant feature of Chelsea’s season. They have had nine red cards, with Neto sent off for two bookings during the defeat by Arsenal this month. Rosenior has repeatedly urged his side to improve their behaviour.
