Credit: TNT Sports

Oliver Walton

Thu 12 March 2026 17:15, UK

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Chelsea star Pedro Neto is facing a ban and a fine from UEFA if they decide to sanction him for pushing a PSG ball boy in their Champions League clash on Wednesday.

Neto saw red at the Parc des Princes during the Blues’ 5-2 defeat to PSG in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 clash.

The Chelsea winger wanted to take a quick throw-in as his side trailed 4-2 in the 92nd minute in the French capital, and pushed a ball boy who had refused to hand him the ball.

A melee between both sets of players and staff soon ensued, but Neto came away without a sanction after the incident was checked by VAR.

Chelsea’s next match is against Newcastle before they face PSG in the second leg, but the 26-year-old could be facing a suspension if UEFA decide to act after the incident.

Keith Hackett reveals possible Pedro Neto sanction from UEFA

Neto gave the ball boy his shirt and apologised in his post-match interview, but still may face a sanction from the relevant governing bodies.

UEFA confirmed on Thursday that they have opened disciplinary proceedings against Neto for the incident, and a decision on the case will be taken in due course.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former PGMOL chief and FIFA referee Keith Hackett revealed that the Chelsea star could face a fine and a possible ban from UEFA competitions if they feel he overstepped the mark.

He said: “(It was) not a clever move by Neto, who clearly was disrespectful to the ball boy.

“The UEFA Disciplinary panel will investigate the incident, which tarnishes the image of their competition.

“The disciplinary sanction will depend on Neto’s record with UEFA. I expect, if found guilty, the player will receive a fine and a ban.”

Chelsea could hear from the authorities over new pre-game ritual

As well as Neto being in hot water, Chelsea could well be in trouble with the authorities as a club for the latest pre-game ritual that they have adopted under Liam Rosenior.

The Blues’ starting eleven have been delaying the kick-off in some of their recent matches by forming a huddle around the centre-circle, causing anger among opposition fans and players.

When asked about the development, Hackett told Football Insider that Chelsea could be punished by the Premier League if they continue to adopt the strategy.

He said: “It’s almost like, ‘Let’s have a trend just to do something different’. If it’s before the game and doesn’t delay kick-off, fine.

“But there’s a huge commercial element. In England and the Premier League, we have advertising and build-up, and it’s all being timed. The timing of everything is so important.

“This needs Premier League input. If it’s delaying kick-off, it has an impact on the event, so it’s one for the authorities to whisper in Chelsea’s ear, ‘You’re out of order here’. 

“If kick-off is delayed, the referee will issue a report as an extraordinary incident, and they may well be doing that. This is about gamesmanship.“