Chelsea winger Pedro Neto will not face a ban from UEFA for pushing a ball boy during the club's 5-2 Champions League defeat at Paris Saint-Germain. The governing body confirmed on Friday that it had closed its investigation into the incident, which occurred in the first leg of the last-16 tie on Wednesday.
Neto pushed the ball boy after the ball went out for a throw-in, sparking a brief altercation between players. The Portugal international apologised after the match, saying: 'I want to apologise to the ballboy; I have already spoken to him. We were losing and in the emotion of the game I wanted to get the ball fast and I gave him a little push. I’m not like this. It was in the heat of the moment.'
UEFA said it had reviewed the matter and decided no further action was necessary. 'The disciplinary bodies have examined the incident and concluded that no suspension or other sanction is warranted,' a spokesperson said. Neto is therefore available for the second leg at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.
The incident was the latest in a season of indiscipline for Chelsea, who have received nine red cards. Neto himself was sent off for two bookings in a defeat to Arsenal earlier this month. Head coach Liam Rosenior had urged his side to improve their behaviour, but welcomed the decision to let Neto off.
