Pedro Neto issues apology to PSG ballboy after Champions League incident

Chelsea forward Pedro Neto has issued an apology to the Paris Saint-Germain ballboy after an altercation during the Blues’ Champions League defeat at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday.

In what was a thrilling affair between both teams, Neto looking to get the ball back in play quickly with the Blues trailing in the French capital, but was overzealous in his attempts to restart play, pushing a ballboy as he sought to reclaim the ball.

The incident was reviewed by VAR and it was waved away by the officials.

A ball kid lies on the floor after being pushed over by Pedro Neto of Chelsea. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

The winger apologised immediately to the ballboy after the incident, and reaffirmed his feelings on TNT Sports afterwards.

“I want to come out and apologise for what happened on the pitch,” he said.

“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.

“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 were beaten 5-2 and will now have to overcome a three-goal deficit when they return to Stamford Bridge for the second leg next week.

Before PSG, Chelsea will host Newcastle United in a big game for their top-four hopes in the Premier League at the weekend.