Chelsea’s Pedro Neto had to be restrained during heated halftime confrontation with LAFC players in Club World Cup match
Chelsea’s Pedro Neto was involved in a tense incident with Los Angeles FC players at halftime during their Group D Club World Cup game in Atlanta.
The 25-year-old Portuguese forward had scored the opening goal for Chelsea just before the break, giving his team the lead. However, after the halftime whistle, Neto exchanged words with LAFC’s Denis Bouanga following a challenge for the ball right before the referee stopped play.
The confrontation escalated with Bouanga shouting at Neto, who responded by pretending to kiss Bouanga on the cheek, leading to some pushing. Assistant referees and Chelsea teammates, including Reece James, quickly intervened to separate the two and prevent the situation from worsening.
Neither player received any disciplinary action from the referee. Despite the drama, Chelsea played well in the first half under coach Enzo Maresca, with strong performances from Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson. Jackson assisted Neto’s goal, as Neto skillfully turned and finished past LAFC’s goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.
This wasn’t the first on-pitch clash of tempers at the tournament, which had only just started. Earlier, Lionel Messi was involved in a heated moment with an Al-Ahly player during Inter Miami’s goalless draw.
