Neto Expresses Regret Over Ball Boy Altercation
By Wellington Jopelo
Chelsea winger Pedro Neto has apologised after pushing a ball boy during his team’s heavy defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
The incident happened late in the match when Chelsea were trying to restart play quickly while chasing the game.
Neto attempted to collect the ball from the ball boy but pushed him in frustration, causing the youngster to fall onto a nearby chair.
The moment led to a brief confrontation as players from both teams reacted to the situation.
Speaking after the match, the 26-year-old said the incident happened in the heat of the moment.
He admitted that his frustration during the game led to the reaction.
Neto said he had already apologised to the ball boy shortly after the match ended.
The player also gave the youngster his jersey as a gesture of apology.
He explained that his Portuguese teammate Vitinha helped translate during the conversation.
According to Neto, the ball boy eventually laughed and accepted the apology.
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior also spoke about the incident after the match.
The manager said he would apologise if anyone from the club had acted wrongly.
Rosenior added that he had not yet reviewed the full footage of the moment.
It is not yet clear whether European football authorities will take disciplinary action over the incident.