Chelsea winger Pedro Neto has been charged by UEFA following an incident involving a ball boy during the club’s Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. The charge relates to Neto pushing a PSG ball boy on the touchline, an action that was noted in postmatch reports and subsequently reviewed by European football’s governing body.
The incident occurred during Chelsea’s loss in Paris, in a match that formed part of the Champions League knockout phase. As Chelsea were attempting to restart play quickly, Neto approached the sideline to retrieve the ball. In the ensuing exchange, he made physical contact with the ball boy, described by UEFA as a push, prompting intervention from match officials and drawing scrutiny from disciplinary authorities after the game.
UEFA has opened a disciplinary case under its regulations governing player conduct, which cover inappropriate behavior toward match officials, opponents, spectators and other match participants, including ball boys and ball girls. The charge means Neto could face sanctions ranging from a warning or fine to a suspension, depending on the findings of UEFA’s disciplinary bodies.
Chelsea are expected to be formally notified of the charge and given an opportunity to present written observations or supporting evidence on Neto’s behalf. UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body will then review the available material, including the referee’s report and any video footage, before issuing a decision. A hearing date has not been publicly announced.
Incidents involving ball boys and ball girls are treated seriously in European competition, with UEFA historically emphasizing the responsibility of players to maintain composure and avoid any physical confrontation with non-playing participants. While match context and player intent can be considered, the governing body typically underlines the duty of care toward minors working around the pitch.
Any disciplinary outcome could affect Neto’s availability for upcoming European fixtures, depending on the timing and nature of any sanction imposed. Until UEFA’s review is complete and a verdict is communicated, Neto remains eligible for selection. Neither Chelsea nor Neto had publicly commented on the charge at the time of publication, and UEFA did not immediately provide further detail beyond confirmation of the disciplinary proceedings.
