Chelsea Manager Confirms Pedro Neto Ball Boy Incident Under UEFA Scrutiny
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has publicly acknowledged that winger Pedro Neto's shove of a ball boy during the Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain "doesn't look good," with the Portuguese international now facing a potential ban from European football's governing body.
Incident Sparks Melee in Paris Defeat
The controversial moment occurred during the closing stages of Chelsea's 5-2 defeat to PSG in the first leg of their last-16 tie at Parc des Princes. As Neto attempted to retrieve the ball quickly, he pushed the young ball boy off his chair, triggering an immediate confrontation between players from both sides that required intervention from officials.
UEFA has confirmed it is investigating Neto for "unsporting behaviour" and stated that its disciplinary bodies will make a determination on the case in due course. This comes despite Neto's immediate apologies both on and off camera, and his gesture of giving the ball boy his match shirt after the incident.
Rosenior's Mixed Assessment of Neto's Actions
"I've watched it back and it doesn't look good," Rosenior admitted ahead of Chelsea's Premier League match against Newcastle United. "I understand Pedro's perspective and his want to win, but there are ways you go about it."
The Chelsea manager did praise Neto's willingness to take responsibility, stating: "I was so impressed that he wanted to apologise straight away. We all make mistakes, it's about learning from them and making sure they don't happen again."
Compounding Disciplinary Troubles for Chelsea Winger
Neto's potential UEFA suspension for the return leg at Stamford Bridge comes on top of existing disciplinary issues. The Football Association has already handed him a further one-match ban and a £70,000 fine relating to his conduct after being sent off against Arsenal on March 1st.
Neto accepted the FA charge after it was alleged he had acted in an "improper manner by failing to leave the pitch promptly and/or using abusive words towards the match officials." This compounding of disciplinary problems presents significant challenges for Chelsea's European campaign.
Squad Updates and Goalkeeper Support
With Neto facing potential absence, Rosenior expressed relief at the return of winger Jamie Gittens from injury, who will bolster Chelsea's attacking options. However, the situation with Estevao remains uncertain due to a hamstring injury that requires careful management.
Rosenior also offered strong backing for goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen despite his costly error against PSG that contributed to Chelsea's late collapse. "I think his performance for 75 minutes was magnificent," Rosenior said of the 23-year-old Swede. "He makes one mistake, we get punished and we lost the game in a manner we definitely shouldn't have lost."
The Chelsea manager emphasized his confidence in both Jorgensen and Robert Sanchez, stating: "Robert Sanchez is one of the best goalkeepers in the league. There is no question of the quality of these two players at this level. It's more about my decision for each game."
When questioned about Jorgensen's mental readiness for the Newcastle match, Rosenior was unequivocal: "For sure. Everybody makes mistakes, it's about how you respond to the setbacks. I have no lack of trust in either of them, or the team."
