Tensions erupted during stoppage time when an enthusiastic Neto looked to retrieve a ball after it went out of play. When the ballboy was evasive in offering the ball to the Portugal international, Neto was in no mood to waste time.

Instead, he shoved the ballboy to the ground and things got feisty as players flurried to the scene. PSG’s stars looked to block Reece James and Neto, while the likes of Marquinhos and Enzo Fernandez engaged in some jostling.

Neto eventually offered an apology as the victim of his actions received attention from medical personnel. Referee Alejandro Hernández eventually diffused the situation and clarified the next steps to the teams’ captains.

Neto avoided a caution for the interaction. VAR reviewed the incident but opted against brandishing a red card.

Speaking following the game, Neto said: “I want to apologise to the ballboy. I have already spoken with him.

“With the emotions of the game, we were losing and I wanted to pick up the ball. He had the ball with him and I gave him a little push.

“I saw that I hurt him in the heat of the moment and I went there to apologise. I gave him my shirt as well.

“That cannot happen and I’m really, really sorry about that. I just want to say one more time that I’m really sorry to him.”

Former Chelsea manager Glenn Hoddle defended Neto for his physical confrontation. Speaking on TNT Sport he said: “Yeah, he’s pushed him but he’s pushed him because the ball boy isn’t going to give him the ball and goes to throw the ball away.

“To defend the player it’s the last minute of the game. He wants to get on with the game and the lad is trying to throw the ball away from him. He just gives him a nudge.”

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia shortly delivered a considerably more damaging strike. Having already netted a spectacular goal, the Georgian produced a more composed finish mere seconds after tensions had escalated.

Another swift counter-attack saw Achraf Hakimi hold up his pass before cutting the ball back for the former Napoli forward. Kvaratskhelia slotted the ball beyond Filip Jorgensen with a first-time strike to secure a 5-2 triumph with the final significant touch of the match.

Neto had previously set up a goal after recovering possession on the halfway line and executing a powerful run as Enzo Fernandez enabled Chelsea to draw level for a second time. It ultimately proved insufficient as Vitinha and a double from Kvaratskhelia guided PSG to a commanding first-leg advantage.