Chelsea star Joao Pedro was labelled ‘ungrateful’ after his celebrations during the Blues’ 4-3 Premier League win against Brighton on Sunday.
Xabi Alonso’s side continued their perfect start under their new boss, but were made to sweat in an entertaining clash at Stamford Bridge.
Joao Pedro, who scored on the opening weekend against Fulham, started against his former side Brighton and was the subject of jeers from the away fans right from the start of the encounter.
Those jeers reached their peak when the Brazilian wasted a golden opportunity early in the first half, firing wide of the mark from only yards out with nobody around him.
Get ahead of the start of the season with our weekly football newsletter. Sign up now for free.
However, Joao Pedro soon made amends, tucking home Chelsea’s third on the break before making a beeline to celebrate in front of the irate Brighton fans.
In a separate incident before his goal, Joao Pedro was also seen goading the travelling fans by reminding them of the scoreline with his hands.
Such acts did not go down well with former Seagulls winger Anthony Knockaert, who labelled the striker’s choice of celebration as ‘ungrateful’ to his former club.
Joao Pedro giving it the “2-0” to the away fans after missing a sitter….. #BHAFC pic.twitter.com/C17pAIHqJj
Writing on Instagram, Knockaert said: ‘Don’t forget what Brighton did for you mate. Ungrateful.’
Joao Pedro, however, insisted there was no ill will behind his celebration, telling BBC Sport: ‘I just celebrate, it could be any fans, any team. I just want to do my celebration.’
Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications.
On his side’s performance more generally, he added: ‘We started really well but then conceded goals. We should be more consistent and not give the opponents energy. Dibu [Emiliano Martinez] again showed his quality.
Are Xabi Alonso’s side ready to take on Arsenal? 🤔 #premierleague #chelsea #colepalmer
‘Step by step, we will achieve our level. But it was very important to get the three points today. I know Brighton really well. I know I could be dangerous in the counter. Today, I could show my speed up front.
