Eden Hazard ejected for kicking ballboy

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SWANSEA, Wales, Jan. 24 (UPI) -- Chelsea midfielder Eden Hazard was thrown off the field after kicking a ballboy during a semi-final soccer match with Swansea in the Welsh city.

Hazard faces a three-game suspension for his conduct Wednesday night, the BBC reported. When Hazard was ejected, the two teams were in a scoreless tie, but Swansea City ended up winning 2-0, eliminating Chelsea from Capital One Cup competition.

Gordon Taylor, head of the Professional Footballers' Association, said Hazard's actions were wrong. But he also suggested there was considerable provocation.

Some witnesses said ballboy Charlie Morgan, 17, was trying to keep Hazard from getting the ball. Morgan is the son of Martin Morgan, director of the Swansea City team, The Guardian reported.

"You can't take the law into your own hands," Taylor told the BBC, describing Hazard. "He lost his head and had to receive a punishment. You can understand the frustration of wanting to get the ball back, but his actions were unacceptable and the referee had no alternative."

The Football Association, which is reviewing the incident, could increase Hazard's penalty.