Rabat – UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Pedro Neto after the Chelsea FC winger pushed a ball boy during Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League match against Paris Saint‑Germain at Parc des Princes.
The moment happened late in the second half when Chelsea were trying to get back into the match. PSG were already leading 4-2 when Neto ran to the sideline to quickly collect the ball for a throw-in.
As he tried to take it, the 26-year-old pushed the ball boy standing near the advertising boards.
The ball boy fell to the ground, and several players from both teams immediately moved toward the touchline. The situation created a brief moment of tension before players and staff helped clear the area.
O Pedro Neto empurrou o gandula pra pegar a bola 😳
pic.twitter.com/FvJMRcMZ5S
— DataFut (@DataFutebol) March 11, 2026
Referee Alejandro José Hernández Hernández spoke with Neto after the incident. He also called over Chelsea captain Reece James and PSG captain Marquinhos before allowing the game to continue. Neto was not shown a yellow card.
PSG later scored again to make it 5-2 before the final whistle.
After the match, Neto went back to the sideline to speak with the ball boy. The winger hugged him and handed over his match shirt as a gesture of apology.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, Neto admitted he reacted badly in the moment and said he had already apologized.
“I want to say sorry to the ball boy,” Neto said. “I spoke with him already. During the game, we were losing, and I wanted to get the ball quickly. He was holding it, and I pushed him a little. I realized I hurt him slightly.”
The Portugal international said he immediately tried to fix the situation once he understood what had happened.
“I’m not that kind of person,” he added. “In the heat of the moment, things happen. I went back to apologise and gave him my shirt because something like that shouldn’t happen.”
Neto also said communication was not easy because of the language difference, but believed the issue had been resolved.
“I didn’t understand French, but he was smiling and laughing when we spoke,” Neto explained. “I think he understood it happened in the moment.”
UEFA later confirmed that the case is now under review. The governing body said disciplinary action had been opened against Neto for unsporting behavior under Article 15 of its regulations. A decision will be announced later.
The incident reminded some fans of a similar moment in 2013 when former Chelsea player Eden Hazard was sent off after kicking a ball boy during a match against Swansea City AFC.
Chelsea now turns its attention to upcoming fixtures, including a Premier League match against Newcastle United FC before the return leg against PSG next week.
