On January 23, English soccer team Chelsea played Welsh soccer team Swansea City to determine who would move to the finals of the Capital One Cup, a coveted trophy in Great Britain. After 90 minutes, the match went into extra time, as it was still 0-0. In the extra time, Swansea went on to score two goals, advancing them to the finals. However, during the overtime, one player received a red card and was sent off for doing something that has maybe never occurred in professional soccer – kicking the ball boy.
The score was already 2-0 by this time, and the ball went behind Swansea’s goal, which resulted in a goal kick. The ball boy went to grab the ball, but instead of handing it to the goalie to continue the game, he lay on top of it to waste time. Hazard, obviously upset by the fact they were already losing, went to get the ball from the ball boy, but instead of waiting for the 17 year old assisting the match to give up the ball, he tried to kick the ball underneath the ball boy, resulting in the teenager’s side getting kicked. The referee witnessed what happened and immediately gave Hazard a red card.

A big controversy has risen over whether or not Hazard actually made contact with Charlie Morgan, the ball boy. A different angle than the one shown on the live broadcasting of the game shows there may have been minimal contact, if any at all. Also, Morgan tweeted hours before the game saying he would time-waste to help the club he supports, Swansea, proceed to the next round of the tournament. Also, Morgan’s parents are the biggest Shareholders of the club, which implies that he may be able to get away with such an act. As a 17 year old, Morgan should be well aware of the consequences of cheating and should, therefore, no longer be able to be a ball boy at any following Swansea City soccer matches.