Former Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has described the incident involving Eden Hazard and Swansea City ball boy Charlie Morgan as "regrettable".
The Chelsea playmaker was sent off after appearing to kick the 17-year-old in a bid to return the ball back quickly in their League Cup semi-final defeat to the Swans last Wednesday.
However, Dalglish believes that too much has been made of the incident and criticised the way the incident has been used to condemn footballers.
"It was a regrettable incident all round," the Scot told The Mirror. "But what I like least of all is the way it has been used to suggest all footballers are irresponsible, spoilt brats.
"If you're going to go down that road, maybe you ought to ask a few questions of clubs who tell ball boys to waste time – what about their responsibilities?
"Nobody came out of it particularly well and I just wish the FA had left it alone now."
Hazard was subsequently charged with violent conduct.
