Chelsea star Eden Hazard clashes with a ball boy

The astonishing incident, the latest to blight Chelsea's season, happened with just over 10 minutes remaining of the tie, which the Blues lost 2-0 on aggregate.

The game was goalless when Hazard lost patience when the ballboy refused to hand over the ball after it had gone out of play for a goal-kick.

The ballboy fell to the ground as Hazard attempted to get the ball from him with the Blues forward then trying to kick it from under him but instead he appeared to make contact with the youngster.

Several Chelsea players went to tend to the ballboy, who was left holding his ribs, before referee Chris Foy produced a red card.

The ballboy was quickly ushered away from the tunnel area after the final whistle, having been interviewed by police officers.

A Swansea spokesman confirmed no action would be taken, and that Chelsea had invited the 17-year-old, who has been a ballboy at the Liberty Stadium for six years, into their dressing room.

He said: "The police have interviewed the boy and his father and there are no charges going to be pressed, as far as they are concerned that is the matter closed. The ballboy has been into the Chelsea dressing room after the game and shaken hands with Eden Hazard.

"The likes of John Terry and Frank Lampard were exemplary 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, he is 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."

Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez said that Hazard and the ballboy had exchanged apologies.

He said: "The ballboy has been in the dressing room talking with Hazard and they have apologised to each other. They know they were wrong, that's it.

"He was wasting time, Hazard was frustrated, he wanted to get the ball back quickly so they have both made a mistake and we cannot say too much. We will deal with this internally. We will analyse and wait to see if there is any action from the FA."

Swansea manager Michael Laudrup denied the Welsh club had given the ball boys instructions to hold onto the ball when it went out of play.

"No, no. Definitely not," he said.

"I think he was pushed and on top of the ball. I can understand all the frustrations when you are behind.

"Hazard is a great player. When he sees the images I think he will regret it."