European Football's Governing Body Initiates Disciplinary Case Concerning Pedro Neto Following Push Involving PSG Stadium Attendant.
UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings concerning Chelsea winger Pedro Neto after he shoved a ball boy in a Champions League match against Paris St‑Germain.
The Portugal international, Pedro Neto, pushed the boy in the dying moments of Wednesday's last-16 first leg in Paris – a match in which Chelsea lost 5-2 – which caused the boy falling from a chair.
This provoked a confrontation between players from both teams.
The governing body confirmed the case has been opened against the player on grounds of "unsporting behaviour" under the official rules.
"Disciplinary officials will decide regarding this matter in the coming days," UEFA announced.
The Chelsea player said sorry after the match and blamed getting swept up "in the intensity of the match" when he sought to quickly retrieve the ball.
"This is out of character for me. It was in the heat of the moment and I want to apologise. I gave him my shirt. I'm really sorry about it - an apology is necessary," Neto told broadcasters.
"My French is not very good, so teammate Vitinha came over and said to him that it was a momentary lapse.
"At the end he [the ball boy] laughed and I presented him with my jersey and said sorry many times. He realized it was a mistake and was happy with how it was resolved."
The London club face PSG next Tuesday in the second leg, after Newcastle's visit to Stamford Bridge on Saturday in domestic competition.
