UEFA Initiates Formal Proceedings Concerning Chelsea's Pedro Neto After Push Involving PSG Ball Boy.
European football's governing body has opened disciplinary proceedings against Chelsea winger the Portuguese international after he shoved a ball boy during the Champions League loss by PSG.
The 26-year-old, Pedro Neto, knocked the boy in the dying moments of the knockout stage fixture in Paris – where his team suffered a heavy defeat – an action that led to the boy to fall off a chair.
It sparked a confrontation involving both sets of players.
The governing body confirmed action has been taken against the player for "conduct contrary to sporting spirit" as per UEFA's code.
"The relevant committees will make a ruling regarding this matter in the coming days," UEFA announced.
Neto expressed regret over his actions and blamed being caught up "by the heat of the moment" as he tried to quickly retrieve the match ball.
"I'm not like this. It was in the heat of the moment and I offer my apologies. I gave him my shirt. I feel terrible about it - an apology is necessary," Neto told the media.
"I don't speak French well, and [Portugal team-mate] Vitinha came over and told him I was not like this.
"At the end he accepted the apology and I presented him with my jersey and said sorry repeatedly. He realized the context of the incident and was satisfied with the outcome."
Chelsea host Paris St-Germain in the upcoming second leg for the return fixture, following a match against Newcastle at their home ground on Saturday in domestic competition.
