Chelsea's Pedro Neto handed additional one-game ban after Arsenal red card

The Portugal international was sent off in Chelsea's Premier League defeat by Arsenal on March 1.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 3:05pm

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Chelsea winger Pedro Neto has been handed an additional one game ban by the Football Association (FA) for his conduct after being sent off at Arsenal earlier this month. Neto was shown two yellow cards in the space of three minutes, the first for dissent and the second for a bad challenge on Gabriel Martinelli. The Portugal international was seen protesting against the decision before going down the tunnel, leading to the additional ban and fine.

Why it matters

Neto's behavior after the red card has drawn further scrutiny, with the player now facing potential punishment from UEFA as well for pushing a ball boy during Chelsea's Champions League defeat at Paris Saint Germain. This highlights the importance of players maintaining composure and professionalism, even when facing disciplinary actions on the pitch.

The details

The FA stated that Neto 'acted in an improper manner by failing to leave the pitch promptly and/or using abusive words towards the match official/s following his dismissal in the 70th minute.' Neto subsequently admitted the charge against him, leading to the additional one-match suspension and £70,000 fine.

  • On March 1, Neto was sent off in the 70th minute of Chelsea's Premier League match against Arsenal.
  • On March 13, the FA announced the additional one-game ban and fine for Neto's conduct after the red card.

The players

Pedro Neto

A 26-year-old winger for Chelsea who was sent off in the team's Premier League match against Arsenal on March 1.

Gabriel Martinelli

The Arsenal player who was fouled by Neto, leading to the second yellow card and subsequent red card.

Liam Rosenior

The Chelsea head coach who commented on Neto's need to learn from his mistakes.

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What they’re saying

“Pedro Neto has been given a one-match suspension and a £70,000 fine for misconduct that occurred after he was sent off in Chelsea's Premier League match against Arsenal on Sunday 1 March.”

— The FA

“I've seen the (PSG) incident back now and it doesn't look good in terms of … I understand Pedro's perspective. He wants to get the ball back in play as quickly as possible. He wants to win for the club. There are ways you go about it.”

— Liam Rosenior, Chelsea head coach

What’s next

Neto is now banned for Chelsea's game at home to Newcastle on Saturday but is also currently facing possible punishment from UEFA as well for pushing a ball boy during the side's 5-2 defeat at Paris Saint Germain in the Champions League. UEFA have opened disciplinary proceedings into the altercation, and a suspension is one of the options open to European football's governing body.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of player discipline and professionalism, even in the heat of the moment. Neto's actions after the red card have led to further sanctions, underscoring the need for players to maintain composure and set a positive example, both on and off the pitch.