Pedro Neto Discovers His Punishment After Apologizing 35 Times for Heated PSG Ball Boy Confrontation
Chelsea's winger Pedro Neto has avoided sanctions following an incident where he shoved a ball boy during last week's Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain.
Neto issued an apology for his behavior at the time, having shoved the ball boy during injury time of the 5–2 defeat in "the heat of the moment" while attempting to quickly resume play at Parc des Princes.
"That's not who I am," the remorseful Portugal international stated to TNT Sports right after the match. "It happened in the heat of the moment and I want to say sorry. I gave him my jersey. I'm truly sorry about it—I feel I need to apologize to him.
"My French isn't great, and Vitinha came over and told him I wasn't like this. I apologized around 35 times. He understood what occurred and was satisfied with how things were resolved."
UEFA's Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) has now made its decision on the incident after Neto faced charges of unsporting behavior, issuing only a formal caution rather than a harsher penalty such as a fine or ban. His immediate contrition may have influenced the outcome.
According to Article 15 of UEFA Disciplinary Regulations, unsporting behavior may lead to a one-game suspension.
Importantly for Neto, standard bans can be lessened "if the circumstances of the case warrant it."
Neto Available for PSG Second Leg
Neto Available for PSG Second Leg
This means that nothing prevents Neto, who provided an assist for Chelsea's second goal in Paris, from featuring in the return match at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday evening. Only Enzo Fernández (44) has made more appearances than the pacey winger's 42 across all competitions this campaign.
Neto sits fifth for total playing time and his 16 goal involvements (10 goals, six assists) are surpassed only by Fernández (12 goals, six assists) and João Pedro (18 goals, nine assists).
He should also be fresh, having completed a domestic ban in the Premier League during the weekend as Chelsea fell to Newcastle United.
To advance in the Champions League round of 16 tie, Chelsea must defeat PSG by four goals—a three-goal victory would only force additional time.
That represents an enormous challenge against the defending European champions, though Chelsea claimed the world title by demolishing PSG in last summer's Club World Cup final. On that July day, the Blues triumphed 3–0 with Neto finding the net.