Chelsea winger Pedro Neto has been charged by the FA for failing to leave the pitch promptly after receiving his red card versus Arsenal on Sunday, meaning his one-match ban may be extended.
Neto, whose red card was Chelsea’s ninth of the season in all competitions, also stands accused of using abusive words towards the match officials in his complaints following his dismissal, despite it being a clear second yellow when he hacked down Gabriel Martinelli to kill a counter-attack at the Emirates Stadium.
Neto’s reaction to receiving red sparked speculation that he did not know he had already been booked. However, footage showed he clearly knew he had been cautioned for dissent after Arsenal’s winner from Jurrien Timber, and sources have also stood up he was aware.
Tottenham captain Cristian Romero was handed an additional one-match ban earlier this season and fined £50,000 when he was also charged with failing to leave the pitch promptly after being sent off versus Liverpool and showing abusive behaviour.
An FA statement on Neto read: ‘It’s alleged that the player acted in an improper manner by failing to leave the pitch promptly; and/or used abusive words towards the match official/s.’
Neto has until this Monday to respond to the charge. When red carded, the Portuguese had to walk around the pitch and in front of the Chelsea away end, who booed him.
Pedro Neto has been charged by the FA for failing to leave the pitch promptly after being sent off against Arsenal
Neto was suspended for Wednesday’s trip to Aston Villa, and Chelsea face Newcastle next in the Premier League after Wrexham in the FA Cup and Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
Alejandro Garnacho started for the Blues against Villa in their 4-1 win and had one of the better games, setting up Joao Pedro to complete his hat-trick.
Liam Rosenior’s only gripe was that Garnacho did not get on the goal sheet himself, but he was proud that the Argentinian made sure he was in those positions to have chances.
Chelsea boss Loam Rosenior, meanwhile, warned his player to buck their ideas up. After the Arsenal game, he said: ‘You need team-mates to help but it comes down to yourself as well. Pedro has apologised to the group.
‘I just need to see an improvement in the behaviour now. It’s not just Pedro.
‘People speak about dissent – we’ve had needless bookings in terms of fouls. If we are to improve and get to where we want to be, we have to make a conscious step now to make sure it doesn’t happen again.’
