UEFA Launches Formal Investigation Against Chelsea's Pedro Neto Following Push Involving Paris St-Germain Stadium Attendant.
UEFA has initiated a disciplinary case concerning Chelsea winger Pedro Neto following an incident where he pushed over a ball boy in a Champions League loss by Paris St‑Germain.
The 26-year-old, Neto, knocked the attendant in stoppage time of Wednesday's last-16 first leg in Paris – a match in which Chelsea lost heavy defeat – an action that led to the boy falling from a stool.
This provoked an altercation involving the opposing squads.
Uefa said proceedings have been instigated against Neto for "conduct contrary to sporting spirit" under the official rules.
"Uefa's disciplinary bodies will decide on this case at a later date," UEFA added in its statement.
The Chelsea player said sorry after the match and blamed being caught up "in the emotion of the game" when he sought to regain possession of the ball.
"That is not who I am. It happened in the passion of the game and I sincerely apologise. My shirt was given to him. I deeply regret it - I owe him an apology," Neto explained to the media.
"I have limited French, so teammate Vitinha intervened and explained to him that this isn't my normal behaviour.
"Finally he saw the funny side and I gave him my shirt apologising about 35 times. He could see what had happened and was happy with how it was resolved."
The London club host PSG next Tuesday in the second leg, after Newcastle's visit at their home ground on Saturday in domestic competition.
