Chelsea winger Pedro Neto will remain available for selection after UEFA opted not to impose a suspension following his involvement in an incident with a ball boy during the club’s 5–2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
The European football governing body examined the situation and concluded that the Portuguese international should receive a warning rather than a ban. UEFA classified the episode as unsporting conduct but stopped short of taking stronger disciplinary action.
The incident occurred near the advertising boards when Neto attempted to collect the ball quickly for a throw-in. In the process, he pushed a ball boy who appeared to be holding onto the ball, a moment that quickly circulated on social media after the match.
Neto later expressed regret over the confrontation. Explaining his reaction, the winger said the intensity of the game had influenced his actions, adding that he had simply wanted to retrieve the ball to restart play while the ball boy seemed reluctant to release it.
As a gesture of apology, Neto handed his match shirt to the youngster after the game.
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior also addressed the matter, acknowledging that he had seen the altercation and offering an apology if the club’s actions were deemed inappropriate.
“I noticed there was some kind of altercation involving the ball boy,” Rosenior said. “If anything from our side was out of order, I apologise on behalf of the club. Pedro has also spoken about it, though I haven’t fully reviewed the footage myself.”
After reviewing the case, UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body decided against further punishment, meaning Neto will be eligible to feature in Chelsea’s crucial second-leg fixture at Stamford Bridge.
The development comes as a boost for the London side, especially with captain Reece James sidelined due to injury ahead of the decisive encounter.
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