Chelsea were beaten by PSG and emotions boiled over with Pedro Neto shoving a ballboy before the home players came running in as VAR checked for a possible red card
Pedro Neto shoved a PSG ball boy as tempers flared in Chelsea's Champions League clash in France - but the winger was quick to come out and own his mistake as he apologised and handed his shirt to the young individual.
Chelsea were chasing goals in the final minutes as they trailed the defending European champions. PSG had scored twice through Vitinha and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to put themselves 4-2 ahead and the Blues were in no mood to waste time.
As a result their Portuguese winger, who had laid on an earlier assist for Enzo Fernandez, rushed to get the ball back from a child on the side of the pitch. Clearly unhappy with the speed at which he was going about his business, Neto shoved the individual.
It saw him hit the ground and PSG players rushed over to confront Neto. VAR begun checking for a possible red card, but Neto dodged the punishment and apologised to the child.
Neto was keen to come out after the game to apologise publicly. He told TNT Sports: "I want to come out and say the situation that happened on the pitch, I want to apologise to the ball boy. I already spoke with him, the emotions of the game with us losing, I want to pick up the ball and I gave him a little push. I saw that I hurt him and straight away I apologised, I am not like this. I have him my shirt because that cannot happen so I am really, really sorry."
The Portuguese star admitted that there was a language barrier as he continued to apologise, but his international colleague and PSG star Vitinha came over in his defence, making it clear that the action was out of character.
It would be the Parisians who would score the seventh goal of the night, leaving Chelsea's hopes of a European comeback in tatters. They had twice pegged back the French champions, but were unable to hold on ahead of next week's second-leg.
Filip Jorgensen made a notable error midway through the second-half, which proved crucial in changing the course of the tie. The Dane had continued to play with a high risk approach with the ball at his feet, and one of his passes went array. It allowed Vitinha to lob the Chelsea goalkeeper, who was then out of position.
The Blues face an uphill task if they are to keep their Champions League dream alive. They have claimed some notable wins at home, downing Barcelona 3-0 earlier this season, but the odds of a repeat appear slim with PSG looking in irresistible form.
Kvaratskhelia was key to PSG's European triumph last term and believes they showed the best of themselves. "I think we showed today we are capable of everything," said the Georgian. "We just have to continue like this. We conceded two goals and we can see the mistakes we made, but we are happy with a three goal victory. We will focus now on the next game."
Jwirtz
0
I think that’s why PSG knocked them out they don’t like nonsense [Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
AlwaysSoccer
0
next time respect psg they are better than ur club that's what I'll gain
Dude, you sound so facking stupid😬
AlwaysSoccer
0
Why was he trying to keep the ball? Trained to play foolish delaying tactics when his team is leading.
Thank you very much. That was so ridiculous to see, return the ball and let the game rally on..
bibbcesu
2
Why was he trying to keep the ball? Trained to play foolish delaying tactics when his team is leading.
nuzceknru
0
it is their stock in trade,to beat ball boy up.
yenelmnopr
1
firstly the ball boy made mistakes
Allez_
0
Chelsea fans will be hurt more this season, By God's grace, Chelsea and Arsenal will meet again in the FA semi-final..
I have an arsenal friend who wants Chelsea to Newcastle 😂
Sazabilt
0
Chelsea players lack character and discipline period QED
you're right
Sazabilt
2
he's used to silly red cards
suaadmrsuy
0
psg will trash them home and away they where lucky during the world cup
can you bet your life?
Baaeikrs
0
Chelsea players should work on their character and show discipline. Even their fans.
Especially their fans
olubukolaemmanuel
1
neto should be sold next season we don see finished
Chima92
1
and then what will you gain
Your silence is what we will gain! arrogant clowns! 🤡
kaoarsuz
0
does players are bastard
Becacinz
0
and then what will you gain
next time respect psg they are better than ur club that's what I'll gain
Bowklnpsy
1
psg will trash them home and away they where lucky during the world cup
and then what will you gain
Becacinz
3
psg will trash them home and away they where lucky during the world cup
oludotunkellington
3
very thoughtful of Pedro Neto spirit of sportsmanship
sukbkopst
3
Chelsea fans will be hurt more this season, By God's grace, Chelsea and Arsenal will meet again in the FA semi-final..
Woebcepstz
1
I think the best UEFA can do is to introduce the system of the ball boys in the EPL were they just put the ball at a disginated place that will stop this old and hazard drama
Erosado76
0
Ball boys should expect hazards as part of the game
That was good
Leuinortuy
0
Chelsea is out of Champions league this season. No way they can beat PSG by more than 3 goals in the return leg.
did you believe PSG would score 5 last night? keep preaching
Bengudmman
0
Chelsea players should work on their character and show discipline. Even their fans.
Afrosports
1
Ball boys should expect hazards as part of the game
Tebbceopst
0
Chelsea is out of Champions league this season. No way they can beat PSG by more than 3 goals in the return leg.
Midbemnst
0
PSG ball boy wasn't neutral boy . was tactically, on delays for time. And Neto's touch wasn't that forcefully.
womeinort
2
Chelsea players lack character and discipline period QED
SamiEthioSanchoMale
0
He wanted another red card
MessiGOAT4ever
0
This is intentional time wasting on part of the ball boy. There should be a rule to punish the home team for the actions of the ball boy. Or increase the stoppage time for such actions.
yiyceinps
2
the ball boy was stupid by dogging the ball to the player as part of gaining time so that should be a lesson to ball home boys..no mistake
wobabcikpu
3
Apologies accepted on behalf of the ball boy. I watched it happen. Next time, try to control your emotions. Football is a friendly and brotherly sport. Emotions took control of a greater part of you particularly after seeing that your team was losing disgracefully.
Zambceisuz
3
Chelsea players need to go back to school
Tomdeimnor
2
guul reer real madrid🫵✌️👍🫡
Coebcemry
2
ffh
kbsarpong
1
Chelsea always wants to get at least a red card in every three matches they play. They always court for red card. I don't understand them. That was how Maresca trained them, and they can't do away with that.
yupbcoruz
3
Non issue. I watched it. Heat of the game. Part of it and some ball boys hold for their team. Not this situation but players in heat of the moment subconsciously deal with it the same way