Chelsea forward Joao Pedro was labelled 'ungrateful' by Anthony Knockaert after his celebrations during the Blues' 4-3 Premier League win against Brighton at Stamford Bridge.
Xabi Alonso's side maintained their perfect start under their new boss, but were made to work hard in an entertaining encounter. Joao Pedro, who scored on the opening weekend against Fulham, started against his former club and was jeered by the away fans from the outset.
The jeers intensified when the Brazilian missed a golden opportunity early in the first half, firing wide from close range with no defender nearby.
Celebration controversy
Joao Pedro soon made amends, scoring Chelsea's third on the break before running to celebrate in front of the Brighton supporters. Before his goal, he was also seen goading the travelling fans by holding up his hands to remind them of the scoreline.
Former Brighton winger Anthony Knockaert criticised the celebration, writing on Instagram: 'Don't forget what Brighton did for you mate. Ungrateful.'
Joao Pedro insisted there was no ill intent, telling BBC Sport: 'I just celebrate, it could be any fans, any team. I just want to do my celebration.'
Player reaction
On the team's performance, 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.'
'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.'
'In front, we are very strong. The whole team, we have good players in every position. We need to build in the confidence and togetherness and hopefully we can keep winning like today.'
Season stats and next fixture
Joao Pedro now has two goals and two assists in his first two league matches of the season. Darren Bent praised him post-match, insisting he was the best player on the pitch 'by a distance'.
Watching Chelsea's third goal on Sky Sports, Bent said: 'Really good finish. Morgan Rogers was at the heart of it, he starts it, then it's Hato with a really good run. It's the first touch out of his feet and then back across the goalkeeper. He was the best player on the pitch, Joao Pedro, by a distance.'
Chelsea return to action next Sunday with a trip to the Emirates to face defending champions Arsenal.
