Key Takeaways
- Pedro Neto apologized for pushing a ball boy during the Pedro Neto ball boy incident in Chelsea’s 5-2 defeat to PSG.
- The incident occurred late in the match when Neto attempted to retrieve the ball quickly, leading to a brief confrontation between players.
- Neto expressed remorse after the game, stating he had already apologized to the ball boy and explained the incident as a reaction during an emotional moment.
- He also gave the ball boy his match-worn shirt as a gesture of goodwill after the match concluded.
- Chelsea suffered a heavy defeat, with PSG scoring several late goals, leaving Chelsea with a challenging task in the second leg at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea winger Pedro Neto apologised after the Pedro Neto ball boy incident during Chelsea’s 5–2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League round-of-16 first leg in Paris. The incident occurred late in the match at Parc des Princes. Neto pushed a ball boy while attempting to retrieve the ball quickly as Chelsea tried to restart play.
The Pedro Neto ball boy incident happened during stoppage time when tensions were high. Chelsea had already conceded several late goals and were trailing PSG by a large margin.
Pedro Neto ball boy incident during stoppage time
The situation unfolded near the advertising boards close to the pitch. A PSG ball boy was holding the ball as play had stopped. Neto approached the area to collect it quickly.
Neto pushed the ball boy while reaching for the ball. The ball boy fell to the ground after the contact. The moment drew attention from nearby PSG players. Several players from both teams approached the scene.
A brief confrontation followed between players on the field. Match officials stepped in to separate the groups and restore order. The referee did not issue a card to Neto during the match.
Pedro Neto apologises after the ball boy incident
After the match, Neto spoke publicly about the Pedro Neto ball boy incident. He said he had already apologised directly to the ball boy involved. Neto explained that the action occurred during an emotional moment late in the match.
The Chelsea winger described the push as a small action made while trying to restart the game quickly. He repeated his apology during interviews following the match.
Neto also gave the ball boy his match-worn shirt after the incident. The gesture took place after the final whistle.
Chelsea suffer heavy defeat to PSG
The match ended with Paris Saint-Germain winning 5–2. PSG gained a strong advantage in the Champions League knockout tie. Several goals came late in the second half as the French side increased the margin.
Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen was involved in a costly error during the game. A misplaced pass allowed PSG midfielder Vitinha to score.
PSG winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored two goals later in the match. Those goals extended PSG’s lead further.
Chelsea now face a difficult task in the second leg at Stamford Bridge as PSG hold a three-goal advantage in the tie.