Pedro Neto Apologises After Ball Boy Incident During Chelsea’s Defeat to PSG

Pedro Neto has issued an apology after an incident involving a ball boy during Chelsea’s defeat to Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes.

The confrontation occurred late in the match with Chelsea trailing 4–2 in stoppage time, as the visitors pushed desperately for a late response in their UEFA Champions League encounter.

Tensions Flare Late in Paris

The flashpoint came when Neto attempted to retrieve the ball quickly from a ball boy near the touchline. In the process, the Portuguese winger wrestled the ball away, causing the youngster to fall to the ground.

The moment triggered angry reactions from several PSG players and briefly sparked a heated confrontation between both sides as tensions rose in the closing moments of the match.

Neto Issues Apology

Speaking after the game, Neto acknowledged his actions and expressed regret over the incident.

“I want to come out and speak about the situation that happened on the pitch. I want to apologise to the ball boy,” Neto told TNT Sports.

The 26-year-old explained that the emotions of the match influenced his behaviour as Chelsea chased the game.

“I already spoke with him. With the emotions of the game, we were losing and I wanted to pick up the ball. I gave him a little push and I realised that I hurt him in a way.

“I’m not like this. I went there to apologise and I also gave him my shirt. That cannot happen, so I’m really, really sorry about that.”

Despite the confrontation, the referee chose not to take disciplinary action against the Chelsea winger.

Rosenior Also Apologises

Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior also addressed the incident during his post-match press conference, offering an apology on behalf of the club.

“If there was anything from our side that was wrong or out of order, I apologise on behalf of the club,” Rosenior said.

PSG Seal Convincing Victory

While the incident drew attention late in the game, the final moments ultimately belonged to the home side.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia struck his second goal of the match four minutes into stoppage time, extending PSG’s lead to 5–2 and placing the French champions firmly in control of the tie as they moved closer to securing a place in the Champions League quarter-finals.