UEFA release statement on Pedro Neto punishment for pushing ballboy

UEFA have launched disciplinary proceedings against Chelsea forward Pedro Neto following an incident involving a ball boy during Wednesday night’s 5-2 Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain.

Portuguese forward Neto pushed the ball boy to the ground in the closing stages of the match, which ignited tensions among both sets of players.

While he failed to see a card during the incident, the Chelsea star might be punished for his action as UEFA have confirmed they will examine the incident.

“Disciplinary proceedings have been opened against Chelsea player Pedro Lomba Neto for unsporting conduct, in accordance with Article 15(1)(a)(v) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations,” they said. “UEFA’s disciplinary bodies will make a decision on this case in due course.”

Following the defeat in Paris, Neto emerged and held his hands up after the controversial moment.

A ball kid lies on the floor after being pushed over by Pedro Neto of Chelsea (not pictured). (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Neto also apologized for his action: “I want to apologise to the ball boy. I have already spoken with him. With the emotions of the game, we were losing and I wanted to pick up the ball.

“He had the ball with him and I gave him a little push. I saw that I hurt him in the heat of the moment and I went there to apologise. I gave him my shirt as well. That cannot happen and I’m really, really sorry about that. I just want to say one more time that I’m really sorry to him.

“I feel that I have to apologise to him. It was in the heat of the moment, you know how football is, you have a lot of emotions. I wanted to get the ball fast, I gave him a push and I want to say sorry to him.

“He came to speak to me at the end and even laughed as he was happy that I gave him the shirt. I said sorry like 35 times. I’m really sorry about that and the situation.

“He knew what happened as well so he is happy with the situation. Vitinha said to him too that I’m not like that. I was worried about him and I’m really sorry about the situation.”