UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Chelsea FC winger Pedro Neto.
The case follows an incident during Chelsea’s 5–2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie on Wednesday.
Incident at Parc des Princes
The moment occurred during stoppage time at Parc des Princes. Neto attempted to retrieve the ball quickly and pushed a ball boy, causing him to fall off a chair.
The incident sparked a brief confrontation between players from both teams in the closing stages of the match.
UEFA Launches Disciplinary Action
UEFA confirmed it had launched disciplinary proceedings against Neto for “unsporting behaviour” under its regulations.
“UEFA’s disciplinary bodies will take a decision on this case in due course,” the governing body said in a statement.
Neto Issues Apology
The Portugal international apologised for the incident after the match, saying he was carried away by the emotions of the game.
“I’m not like this. It was in the heat of the moment and I want to apologise. I gave him my shirt. I’m really sorry about it; I feel I have to apologise to him,” Neto told reporters.
Teammate Helps Translate Apology
Neto added that communication with the youngster was helped by his Portugal teammate Vitinha, who translated for him.
“My French is not very good, and Vitinha came over and said to him I was not like this. At the end he laughed and I gave him my shirt and said sorry about 35 times,” Neto said.
Chelsea will host PSG in the second leg next Tuesday after facing Newcastle United in the Premier League this weekend.
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