Pedro Neto Apologises After Incident Leaves Ball Boy Needing Medical Attention

Pedro Neto has spoken out after an altercation left a ball boy needing medical attention during Chelsea’s 5-2 loss to Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday night. Liam Rosenior’s side were humiliated by the reigning Champions League winners in the French capital and now look to be on the brink of elimination following the Round of 16 first leg.
Despite Malo Gusto restoring parity inside 30 minutes following Bradley Barcola’s opener, further goals from Ousmane Dembele, Vitinha, and a double from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia highlighted the Ligue 1 giants’ gulf in class at the Parc des Princes. Enzo Fernandez’s consolation goal offered only a faint glimmer of hope as the Blues take the result back to Stamford Bridge next week.
The occasion appeared to get to some of the Chelsea players’ heads, as one incident saw Neto channel his inner Eden Hazard by pushing a ball boy to get the ball back quickly (watch the incident below). A moment of madness, the Portuguese international has since issued an apology after the youngster fell to the ground.
Pedro Neto Speaks Out After Incident Leaves Ball Boy Needing Medical Help
Things got feisty immediately after the 26-year-old shoved the ball boy, as players rushed to the scene. PSG stars moved to block Reece James and Neto, while the likes of Marquinhos and Enzo Fernandez engaged in some jostling. Neto eventually offered an apology as the ball boy received attention from medical personnel.
Referee Alejandro Hernandez stepped in to diffuse the situation and clarified the next steps to the teams’ captains. Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, the winger addressed the incident, saying (watch the full segment below):
“I want to apologise to the ballboy. I have already spoken with him. With the emotions of the game, we were losing and I wanted to pick up the ball. He had the ball with him and I gave him a little push. I saw that I hurt him in the heat of the moment and I went there to apologise. I gave him my shirt as well.