Pedro Neto Apologises for Shoving Ball Boy During Chelsea Loss

Chelsea winger Pedro Neto issued a public apology after he shoved a ball boy during his team’s 5-2 Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.

The incident occurred deep into stoppage time at the Parc des Princes. Chelsea trailed by three goals, and Neto rushed to the sidelines to retrieve the ball quickly. He placed both hands on the young boy and shoved him. The push caused the boy to fall onto a nearby chair and sparked a brief confrontation between players from both teams.

Neto addressed the media after the match. He attributed his rash reaction to pure frustration and an intense desire to get his team back into the game.

“I want to apologise to the ball boy. I have already spoken to him,” Neto said during a post-match interview. “We were losing, and in the emotion of the game, I wanted to get the ball fast, and I gave him a little push. I’m not like this. It was in the heat of the moment, and I want to apologise.”

READ ALSO: Tinubu’s Ministerial Nominee Taiwo Oyedele Gets Senate Nod

The 26-year-old player approached the youngster after the final whistle to offer a personal apology. He also handed over his jersey as a gesture of goodwill. His Portugal national teammate, Vitinha, plays for PSG and stepped in to help translate the exchange.

“My French is not very good, and Vitinha came over and explained that I’m not like this,” Neto explained. “In the end, he laughed, and I gave him my shirt and said sorry many times. He understood what had happened and was happy with the situation.”

Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior also addressed the touchline drama. Rosenior had not yet reviewed the video footage but offered a prompt apology on behalf of the team.

“I saw there was an altercation with the ball boy. If there was anything from our side that was wrong or out of order, I apologise on behalf of the club,” Rosenior stated.

The commanding 5-2 victory gives Paris Saint-Germain a massive advantage ahead of the second leg. UEFA officials have not yet confirmed if Neto will face any disciplinary action for the physical altercation.