Pedro Neto Charged by UEFA After Ball Boy Incident in PSG Defeat

• Chelsea winger Pedro Neto has been charged by UEFA for pushing a ball boy during the loss to Paris Saint-Germain.
• The incident occurred late in the Champions League round-of-16 first leg in Paris.
• Neto faces a possible one-match ban, with a disciplinary decision expected soon.

Chelsea F.C. winger Pedro Neto has been charged by UEFA following an incident involving a ball boy during his team’s 5-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain F.C. in the UEFA Champions League.

UEFA confirmed on Thursday that Neto had been charged with “unsporting behaviour” after pushing a ball boy late in Wednesday’s round-of-16 first leg in Paris.

The disciplinary case could lead to a one-match suspension, with UEFA stating that a final decision will be announced in due course.

Chelsea trail the defending champions 5-2 ahead of the second leg, which will take place at Stamford Bridge next Tuesday.

The incident occurred in stoppage time when the ball went out of play near the touchline. Neto attempted to retrieve it quickly as Chelsea chased the game but pushed the ball boy in the chest when the youngster appeared to hold onto the ball. The ball boy fell backwards before quickly getting up again.

Neto apologised shortly after the match and later gave the ball boy his match shirt.

“With the emotions of the game, we were losing and I wanted to pick up the ball,” Neto told TNT Sports.

“I gave him a little push. I saw that I hurt him and I am sorry, as I’m not like this.”

The Portugal international’s actions will now be reviewed by UEFA’s disciplinary body ahead of the second leg in London.