Chelsea’s Pedro Neto Faces UEFA Disciplinary Action After Ball Boy Incident

Chelsea winger Pedro Neto is under investigation by UEFA following an incident involving a ball boy during the Champions League last-16 first leg match against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. The incident occurred in stoppage time of the match, which PSG won 5-2 at Parc des Princes.

What Happened?

Neto pushed a ball boy while attempting to retrieve the ball quickly with Chelsea trailing 4-2. The shove caused the ball boy to fall backward into an advertising board, sparking a brief altercation between players from both teams. ESPN and BBC Sport both reported on the incident.

Neto’s Apology

Following the match, Neto apologized for his actions, stating he was caught up in the emotion of the game. “I want to come out and say the situation that happened on the pitch, I want to apologise to the ball boy,” Neto told TNT Sports. “I already spoke with him, the emotions of the game with us losing, I want to pick up the ball and I gave him a little push. I saw that I hurt him and straight away I apologised, I am not like this. I gave him my shirt since that cannot happen, so I am really, really sorry.” He also reportedly apologized approximately 35 times to the ball boy and gave him his No. 7 jersey.

UEFA Investigation

UEFA has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Neto for “unsporting behaviour” in accordance with its disciplinary regulations. BBC Sport confirmed that UEFA’s disciplinary bodies will decide on the case in due course. A potential disqualification from the return leg at Stamford Bridge next Tuesday is a possibility.

Chelsea’s Response

Chelsea coach Liam Rosenior acknowledged the incident and apologized on behalf of the club. “I saw there was an altercation,” Rosenior said, according to ESPN. “I haven’t seen [the incident]. If there is wrongdoing on our part, I apologise on behalf of the club [and] Pedro has done so in interviews.” Rosenior also stated he should have helped his players manage the situation better, as it was followed by PSG’s fifth goal.

Looking Ahead

Chelsea will host PSG in the second leg of the Champions League last-16 tie next Tuesday. The outcome of UEFA’s investigation into the incident involving Pedro Neto could impact Chelsea’s squad availability for the crucial match. Chelsea will also face Newcastle at Stamford Bridge on Saturday in the Premier League.