Pedro Neto Gets Into Heated Exchange with LAFC Player During Club World Cup Clash
Chelsea forward Pedro Neto had to be restrained by teammates during a tense moment at half-time in a Club World Cup Group D match against Los Angeles FC in Atlanta.
The 25-year-old had earlier given Chelsea the lead with a well-executed goal before tempers boiled over just as the teams headed to the dressing rooms. Neto had made a strong challenge on LAFC’s Denis Bouanga just before the whistle, sparking a verbal confrontation.
Bouanga reacted angrily, shouting at Neto, who mockingly responded by pretending to kiss him on the cheek. The situation escalated as the two players shoved each other, prompting intervention from the assistant referee and Chelsea teammates — including Reece James — to prevent the scuffle from getting worse.
Fortunately, both players avoided disciplinary action from referee Jesus Valenzuela.
Despite the heated exchange, Chelsea went into half-time with the advantage, thanks to Neto’s first-half goal. The Portuguese winger received a pass from Nicolas Jackson, maneuvered past defender Ryan Hollingshead, and beat goalkeeper Hugo Lloris with a powerful finish at the near post.
This incident follows another heated moment in the tournament when Lionel Messi was seen appearing to headbutt a player during Inter Miami’s goalless draw with Egypt’s Al-Ahly.
