Hazard sees red as Chelsea are knocked out Capital One Cup

Eden Hazard saw red during Chelsea’s semi final match against Swansea which saw them exit the Capital One Cup.

Hazard, was shown a straight red card by referee Chris Foy after the Chelsea midfielder seemly kicked 17-year-old  Charlie Morgan in the ribs as he tried to retrieve the ball from under the ball boy who had fallen on top of it.

South Wales police questioned the boy and his father after the game but will not take the matter any further.

A police spokesman said. “The ball boy did not sustain any injuries.”

Hazard has escaped police action but the Chelsea midfielder must wait to see what action the Football Association may take against him. The 21-year-old could yet face a lengthy ban

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In a further twist to the controversy Charlie Morgan, the ball boy in question, had apparently posted on his Twitter account just hours before the game: “The king of all ball boys is back making his final appearance #needed #timewasting”, and he appeared to suggest he had only been asked to work at the game due to the heavy snow in south Wales preventing someone else getting there.

Chelsea boss Rafael Benitez said both player and ball boy apologised to each other after thematch at Liberty Stadium.

He added: “They both recognise there was a mistake.

“The boy was apologising for time wasting. Hazard was frustrated andtried to get the ball. He was kicking the ball and getting the ball.

“We can analyse if for half an hour but we know that both are wrong.

“We will deal with it internally, that’s all I can say.”

Later a Swansea spokesman confirmed no action wouldbe taken, and that Chelsea had invited Charlie into their dressing room.He said: “The ball boy has been into the Chelsea dressing room after the game andshaken hands with Eden Hazard. The likes of John Terry and Frank Lampard wereexemplary in their behaviour in welcoming him into the dressing room.

“Chelsea asked if he could come in and our kit lady took him in and they shook hands, heis fine.

“As far as we are concerned the matter is closed. He has been a ballboy here for six years with no incidents here at the stadium.”

Swansea manager Michael Laudrup said he expected Hazard would regret the incident whenhe views it on television.”I saw it from a very big distance from the bench,” he said.

“I’ve since seen it after the game. Hazard is a great player. When he seesthe images I think he will regret it.”

But he added: “I can understand all the frustrations when you are behind.”

The Blues needed to win 2-0 to take the match to extra time, but were unable to find a breakthrough in Wales.

Chelsea and Swansea drew the match 0-0, with the Swans progressing to the final with a 2-0 win on aggregate.