Chelsea’s 5-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League was marred by controversy as Pedro Neto apologised for pushing a ball boy during stoppage time. The incident, which sparked a brief altercation between both teams, overshadowed an otherwise intense match at Parc des Princes.
Neto’s Apology and Explanation
The 26-year-old winger admitted his actions were a result of frustration during the game. Speaking on TNT Sports after the match, Neto said:
"I want to apologise to the ball boy. 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. It was in the heat of the moment, and I am really sorry."
Neto also gave his shirt to the ball boy and reportedly apologized multiple times, with his teammate Vitinha helping to explain that the gesture was not malicious. By the end of the interaction, the ball boy laughed, and Neto felt the situation had been resolved amicably.
Chelsea’s Struggles and Team Reactions
The incident occurred during a broader Chelsea collapse, with the team conceding two late goals from substitute Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Head coach Liam Rosenior acknowledged the issue and expressed his disappointment over the team’s lack of composure.
"The last 15, 20 minutes were crazy in many aspects," Rosenior admitted. "You have to stay calm in the moment, me included. And we didn’t, and we were punished by a very good team."
Frustrations extended to the players, as goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen initially attempted to leave the pitch without acknowledging the fans. Robert Sanchez persuaded him to applaud the travelling supporters, with Rosenior confirming that Jorgensen later admitted responsibility for a costly mistake that allowed PSG to regain the lead.
Looking Ahead: Chelsea vs PSG Second Leg
Chelsea will aim to regroup for the return leg at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday. Rosenior emphasized the importance of learning from both the match and the ball boy incident to maintain composure under pressure.
"It’s something we’ve spoken about from my first day – about reacting positively and staying calm in high-pressure moments. It hasn’t happened consistently yet, and it’s my job to find the answer," he said.
Chelsea also have a Premier League clash against Newcastle on Saturday before hosting PSG, providing a crucial opportunity to reset and prepare for the decisive second leg.
