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Pedro Neto has apologised for pushing a ball boy during Chelsea F.C.’s 5–2 Champions League loss to Paris Saint‑Germain on Wednesday.
BBC Sport on Thursday reports that the incident occurred deep into stoppage time at Parc des Princes when the Chelsea winger attempted to retrieve the ball quickly while his side was chasing the game. Neto was seen placing both hands on the young ball boy, causing him to fall onto a nearby chair and sparking a brief confrontation involving players from both teams.
Speaking after the match, the 26-year-old explained that his frustration at Chelsea’s situation and intense desire to get back in the game led to his rash reaction.
“I want to apologise to the ball boy. I have already spoken to him,” Neto said in a post-match interview.
“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.”
Neto added that he apologised to the youngster after the match and gave him his jersey as a gesture of goodwill. He explained that communication was helped by his Portugal teammate Vitinha, who translated during the exchange.
“My French is not very good, and Vitinha came over and explained that I’m not like this,” Neto said.
“In the end, he laughed, and I gave him my shirt and said sorry many times. He understood what had happened and was happy with the situation.”
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior also addressed the incident, offering an apology if the club’s actions were deemed inappropriate.
“I saw there was an altercation with the ball boy. If there was anything from our side that was wrong or out of order, I apologise on behalf of the club,” Rosenior said, adding that he had not yet reviewed the footage.
It remains unclear whether UEFA will take disciplinary action over the incident, which occurred during a difficult night for Chelsea as Paris Saint-Germain secured a commanding advantage in the first leg of the tie.
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