Pedro Neto has been suspended again for his conduct during Chelsea’s recent match against Arsenal, as he also remains under investigation by UEFA.
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
The FA announced on Friday that Pedro Neto received a one-match suspension and a £70,000 fine for misconduct during Chelsea’s Premier League match against Arsenal on March 1.
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After receiving a red card against Arsenal, the FA alleged that the player acted inappropriately by failing to leave the field promptly and/or using abusive words towards the match officials, and admitted the charges against him.
After a hearing, an independent Regulatory Commission imposed sanctions of a one-game ban and a fine, with written reasons below.
Neto had already served a one-match ban for his Arsenal red card for missing the Aston Villa game last week, but will now also miss this weekend’s game against Newcastle United.
The winger featured against Paris Saint-Germain in Chelsea’s 5-2 defeat on Wednesday, but that appearance could end up leading to another suspension.
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UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Neto after he pushed a ball boy during the Champions League match, alleging “unsportsmanlike behaviour” by the player. UEFA confirmed that its disciplinary bodies will make a decision on the case in due course.
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Neto has already apologized for the PSG incident, saying: “I’m not like that. It was in the heat of the moment and I want to apologize. I gave him my shirt. I’m very sorry, I feel like I have to apologize to him.”
“In the end he (the ball boy) laughed and I gave him my shirt and apologized about 35 times. He could see what had happened and was happy with the situation.”
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If UEFA sanctions Neto for the second leg, he only has until Tuesday to conclude the disciplinary procedure. With Chelsea trailing 5-2 heading into the second leg, any delay in UEFA’s investigation would likely see Neto serve a possible suspension next season.