Former Brighton star blasts 'ungrateful' Joao Pedro after Chelsea moment sparks anger

A former Brighton player has hit out at Joao Pedro for his provocative celebration after scoring for Chelsea against his old club in the Premier League on Sunday

Joao Pedro has been slammed by a former Brighton player after the Chelsea forward produced a wild celebration against his old club. The 24-year-old, who spent two years at the Seagulls before moving to Stamford Bridge in a £60million deal last summer, scored for the Blues in a 4-3 win on Sunday.

He was targeted by Brighton fans from the first whistle and tensions reached boiling point when the Brazilian, after missing a big chance earlier in the match, found the net and celebrated in front of the travelling section.

Pedro produced his signature "W" hand-mask with a thumbs-down celebration right next to the Brighton supporters, who were irate and angered by their former forward, in the south-east corner of the Shed End.

But it's safe to say Pedro received some backlash for his celebration and none more so than from ex-Brighton winger Anthony Knockaert, who slammed the ex-Watford man during the game.

Writing on Instagram, Knockaert said: "Don't forget what Brighton did for you mate. Ungrateful."

Speaking post-match, Pedro attempted to downplay the controversy, claiming his actions were just a reflection of his passion after scoring a goal rather than anything directly against his former club. Addressing the fallout, he told BBC Sport: "I just celebrate, it could be any fans, any team. I just want to do my celebration."

Pedro's goal made it 3-0 to Chelsea after Romeo Lavia and Pedro Neto had put the Blues into a commanding position against Brighton. However, the Seagulls did mount a comeback and reduced the deficit to one when Malick Yalcouye and an own-goal from Pedro gave them a lifeline.

But Cole Palmer all-but ended Brighton's hopes of completing a comeback when he made it 4-2 with a sumptuous effort, though there was still time for Pascal Gross to score Brighton's third late on.

It was a win that has moved Chelsea up to third in the Premier League table and leave them as one of only three sides to have won their opening two matches alongside Manchester City and Hull City.

"We started really well but then conceded goals," Pedro added. "We should be more consistent and not give the opponents energy. Dibu [Emiliano Martinez] again showed his quality. Step by step, we will achieve our level."

Next up for Chelsea is a difficult-looking trip to champions Arsenal on Sunday. It does feel as though, despite the Blues' impressive start under Xabi Alonso, that will be an acid test to see where they are at.