BALLBOY Charlie Morgan has become an internet sensation following his starring role in Swansea's Capital One Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea.
The son of Swansea City shareholder and director Martin Morgan, he brought a massive twist to the game when he took his time giving the ball back to home keeper Gerhard Tremmel with time running out for the away team.
Chelsea's Eden Hazard then appeared to aim a kick at him.
After a few moments of confusion and incredulation at what had taken place, Hazard was given his marching orders with a red card from the referee, Chris Foy.
South Wales Police have said since they plan to interview him.
But even as he was helped away from the pitch-side, apparently in pain, he was already the subject of an explosion of comments on social networking sites, including Twitter.
He himself had taken to Twitter before the game to talk about his role.
He tweeted: "I am ballboy player manager tonight and will be playing myself behind the home goals each half."
Incredibly, his Twitter account, which had around 600 followers before the game, has now risen to 47,000-plus and counting.
He has also been tweeted about by people the length and breadth of the country.
Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand tweeted: "What have I just witnessed?! A ball,a ball boy, a player + a red card. u would never have imagined all that could go together in 1 sentence!"
Swansea actress Joanna Page tweeted: "Thankyou to our 12th player by the way."
Singer Lily Allen, whose dad Keith originates from Llanelli, posted a link saying #prayforthelittlewelshballboy
Chief Superintendent Josh Jones of South Wales Police said tonight: "South Wales Police is aware of the incident involving a ball boy at the Liberty Stadium in Swansea tonight.
"We are making arrangements for him to be interviewed. South Wales Police takes such matters very seriously."
But a Statement on the Swansea City website said: "South Wales Police interviewed the 17-year-old ball boy with his father after the game and neither wished to press any charges. "It was an unfortunate incident which both parties regret being involved in. "Chelsea invited the ball boy into the dressing room after the game to shake hands with Hazard and both parties apologised. "The ball boy was very impressed with the welcome he received from the Chelsea players and as far as both clubs and individuals are concerned the matter is closed." Hazard said: "The boy put his whole body onto the ball and I was just trying to kick the ball. I apologise. "The ball boy came in the changing room and we had a quick chat and I apologised and the boy apologised as well, and it is over. Sorry."
The son of Swansea City shareholder and director Martin Morgan, he brought a massive twist to the game when he took his time giving the ball back to home keeper Gerhard Tremmel with time running out for the away team.
Chelsea's Eden Hazard then appeared to aim a kick at him.
After a few moments of confusion and incredulation at what had taken place, Hazard was given his marching orders with a red card from the referee, Chris Foy.
South Wales Police have said since they plan to interview him.
But even as he was helped away from the pitch-side, apparently in pain, he was already the subject of an explosion of comments on social networking sites, including Twitter.
He himself had taken to Twitter before the game to talk about his role.
He tweeted: "I am ballboy player manager tonight and will be playing myself behind the home goals each half."
Incredibly, his Twitter account, which had around 600 followers before the game, has now risen to 47,000-plus and counting.
He has also been tweeted about by people the length and breadth of the country.
Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand tweeted: "What have I just witnessed?! A ball,a ball boy, a player + a red card. u would never have imagined all that could go together in 1 sentence!"
Swansea actress Joanna Page tweeted: "Thankyou to our 12th player by the way."
Singer Lily Allen, whose dad Keith originates from Llanelli, posted a link saying #prayforthelittlewelshballboy
Chief Superintendent Josh Jones of South Wales Police said tonight: "South Wales Police is aware of the incident involving a ball boy at the Liberty Stadium in Swansea tonight.
"We are making arrangements for him to be interviewed. South Wales Police takes such matters very seriously."
But a Statement on the Swansea City website said: "South Wales Police interviewed the 17-year-old ball boy with his father after the game and neither wished to press any charges. "It was an unfortunate incident which both parties regret being involved in. "Chelsea invited the ball boy into the dressing room after the game to shake hands with Hazard and both parties apologised. "The ball boy was very impressed with the welcome he received from the Chelsea players and as far as both clubs and individuals are concerned the matter is closed." Hazard said: "The boy put his whole body onto the ball and I was just trying to kick the ball. I apologise. "The ball boy came in the changing room and we had a quick chat and I apologised and the boy apologised as well, and it is over. Sorry."
