Hazard 1: Ball Boy 0

Something strange happened last night in the English League Cup match between Chelsea and Swasea City: Eden Hazard, the Chelsea midfielder swung a kick at, wait for it. . . THE BALLBOY.

That's what I said: The Ballboy. This is reminiscent of what Eric Cantona did. Eric Cantona, remember him? He was the prolific forward for Manchester United for 5 seasons back in the 90's.

But in his case he got into fisticuffs with a fan in the crowd. In Hazard's case, he assaulted a boy. I mean, we've heard of instances where players lash out against fellow players, referees, assistant referees, and yes, as pointed out above, even fans. . .

But a ballboy? This is a kid who's maybe what: 11, 12 years old? Hazard

WHAT REALLY HAPPENED?

It was almost full time and Chelsea were staring elimination from the League Cup at the hands of Swansea, as the game ground out a 0-0 scoreline, so understandably the Chelsea players were frustrated.

The ball went out for a goal kick to Swansea, the Ballboy gathers up the ball. . .

. . . And holds on to it, sleeping on the friggin' thing.

He's supposed to release the darn thing.

With time running out, the boys obvious delay tactics prompted Hazard to run over and get the ball from the boy's sticky hands.

But the kid wasn't letting go, so Hazard struggles with him, and eventually gives the boy a kick in the ribs, as he successfully wrestled the ball from him.

Violence on the pitch, not against another full grown man, but a boy?!

In full glare of the spectators, cameras and the eyes of millions watching all over the world?!

Hazard must have been off his rockers!

I smell possibilities here. In a country where you could be given a free all-year pass to enjoy the comforts of a prison just by spanking your own kid, Hazard could be looking at a lawsuit, if the parents of the boy decide to sue.

And I see no reason why they shouldn't: He could've caused serious bodily hard to that boy with that kick.

Anyway, we hear he's apologized to the kid and the family, and the father's decided not to take the matter any further.

Sure the boy was being a sly little sh*T, and would've drawn the ire of any Chelsea player. . .

But Hazard should've known better.