Pedro Neto of Chelsea has offered an apology following an incident where he pushed a young pitch assistant late in his team’s 5-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain during the opening leg of their Champions League round of 16 encounter on Wednesday.
The ball had just exited the field along the right flank in added time when the Portuguese wide player sought to retrieve it quickly and propelled the young attendant in the chest as the boy appeared to be attempting to retain possession of the ball.
The ball boy collapsed backward into an advertising board.
“I wish to state publicly and address the situation that transpired on the pitch; I want to offer my apologies to the ball boy,” Neto told TNT Sports. “I have already conversed with him. Given the intensity of the match and our losing position, I desired to retrieve the ball and imparted a slight shove upon him.
“Upon realizing I had caused him discomfort, I promptly apologized. This is not my usual demeanor. I presented him with my jersey because such an event should not occur, so I am deeply, deeply sorry.”
Rising to his feet, the young assistant appeared unharmed. He was consoled by some PSG players, while others engaged in some minor jostling, and additional PSG players admonished Neto.
The match official did not penalize Neto concerning the incident.