🔗 Share this article European Football's Governing Body Initiates Formal Proceedings Concerning Pedro Neto After Push on PSG Youth Assistant. The Portuguese winger signed for Stamford Bridge from Wolverhampton Wanderers during the summer of 2024. UEFA has initiated formal action against Chelsea winger the Portuguese international after he knocked over a young stadium attendant during the Champions League defeat by PSG. The 26-year-old, Neto, knocked the youngster in the dying moments of Wednesday's knockout stage fixture in Paris – where Chelsea lost 5-2 – which caused him falling from his seat. This provoked a confrontation between players from both teams. The governing body confirmed the case has been opened against Neto on grounds of "unsporting behaviour" as per UEFA's code. "Disciplinary officials will make a ruling regarding this matter at a later date," European football's governing body announced. Neto apologised for the incident and blamed being caught up "by the heat of the moment" while he was attempting to quickly retrieve the match ball. "That is not who I am. It was in the heat of the moment and I sincerely apologise. I offered him my jersey as a gesture. I feel terrible about it - I feel I have to apologise to him," Neto explained to the media. "I have limited French, and [Portugal team-mate] Vitinha came over and explained to him that it was a momentary lapse. "Eventually he [the ball boy] laughed and I gave him my shirt apologising repeatedly. He understood what had happened and was content with the situation." Chelsea host Paris St-Germain next Tuesday in the second leg, following Newcastle's visit to Stamford Bridge on Saturday in domestic competition.
The Portuguese winger signed for Stamford Bridge from Wolverhampton Wanderers during the summer of 2024. UEFA has initiated formal action against Chelsea winger the Portuguese international after he knocked over a young stadium attendant during the Champions League defeat by PSG. The 26-year-old, Neto, knocked the youngster in the dying moments of Wednesday's knockout stage fixture in Paris – where Chelsea lost 5-2 – which caused him falling from his seat. This provoked a confrontation between players from both teams. The governing body confirmed the case has been opened against Neto on grounds of "unsporting behaviour" as per UEFA's code. "Disciplinary officials will make a ruling regarding this matter at a later date," European football's governing body announced. Neto apologised for the incident and blamed being caught up "by the heat of the moment" while he was attempting to quickly retrieve the match ball. "That is not who I am. It was in the heat of the moment and I sincerely apologise. I offered him my jersey as a gesture. I feel terrible about it - I feel I have to apologise to him," Neto explained to the media. "I have limited French, and [Portugal team-mate] Vitinha came over and explained to him that it was a momentary lapse. "Eventually he [the ball boy] laughed and I gave him my shirt apologising repeatedly. He understood what had happened and was content with the situation." Chelsea host Paris St-Germain next Tuesday in the second leg, following Newcastle's visit to Stamford Bridge on Saturday in domestic competition.