Joao Pedro infuriated Brighton supporters by celebrating directly in front of them on Sunday after netting against his former club for Chelsea.
The Brazilian forward, who played for the Seagulls between 2023-25, had a running battle with the away fans during Chelsea’s 4-3 victory.
Joao Pedro had been subjected to chants labelling him a ‘waste of money’ after firing a golden chance wide of the target during the first half.
He had responded by signalling ‘2-0’ with his hands, before rubbing further salt in Brighton wounds by scoring Chelsea’s third in the 32nd minute at Stamford Bridge.
The forward opted to perform his celebration in front of the Brighton fans who once adored him, provoking anger from a section of their fanbase.
Following Joao Pedro’s antics, Daily Mail Sport reporters offer their views here on whether players should celebrate against their former clubs or show more respect.
Joao Pedro celebrated in front of Brighton fans after netting against his former club on Sunday
Ian Ladyman
There is so much performative nonsense in modern football that it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s fake.
But players not celebrating when scoring against former clubs is up there with kissing the badge on a shirt you’ve only been wearing for a week and a half.
If a player loves his old employer so much that he can’t cope with hurting them then maybe he shouldn’t have left in the first place.
Riath Al-Samarrai
I’m not sure on the wisdom of going the full Adebayor, but if the fans are giving it out, as they were to Pedro, then why not?
It’s obviously trickier for club legends returning to old flames, but most are smart enough to know the difference between celebrating a goal and inciting a riot.
Emmanuel Adebayor delivered one of the Premier League’s most memorable celebrations by running the length of the field an sliding in front of Arsenal fans back in 2009
Tara Anson-Walsh
It completely depends on the situation. Some bloke who spent half a season on loan at your club a decade ago and then scores a winner? Crack on.
An academy kid rubbing salt into the wounds of his old team? Plain rude.
Just be reasonable, lads.
Kieran Gill
Of course, it’s perfectly fine, especially when the fans have been taunting their former player all game.
Joao Pedro was being told he was a waste of money and all that by the Brighton end. Then he scored. The feeling must have been one of absolute satisfaction. So he celebrated in front of them.
The visiting supporters are big enough boys that they can take it after giving it, I’m sure.
Joao Pedro’s celebration came after the Chelsea forward had been taunted by Brighton fans
Lewis Steele
Without Brighton Joao Pedro would have never got his big move to Chelsea so he should be more humble. I don’t mind it in some cases but overall I think it’s disrespectful.
Saying that, Emmanuel Adebayor gave probably the best celebration in the history of the Premier League.
