Brighton fans were left scratching their heads when star forward Joao Pedro didn’t feature in the club’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Liverpool.
This absence raised eyebrows because Pedro was actually set to return after serving a three-match suspension following a red card he picked up earlier in the season.
But instead of being back on the pitch, he was noticeably missing, sparking questions about what really kept him out.
Clash in Training Sparks Controversy
According to reports from The Athletic, the reason behind Pedro’s surprising no-show wasn’t just injury or rest — it stemmed from an alleged altercation with teammate Jan Paul van Hecke during a recent training session.
This reportedly happened ahead of Brighton’s earlier Premier League game against Wolves on May 10.
Despite this tension, Van Hecke stayed in the squad and played full matches against Wolves and Liverpool, while Pedro remained sidelined.
Coach Keeps Details Close to the Chest
When asked about Pedro’s absence after the Liverpool game, Brighton’s head coach Fabian Hurzeler kept things vague, attributing it to “private reasons.”
He also confirmed another squad setback, with Tariq Lamptey out due to a knee injury.
Hurzeler didn’t provide much clarity, only saying, “Let’s see how it is going to continue,” leaving fans and media alike in suspense over Pedro’s future involvement.
The Red Card Incident That Shook the Season
Pedro’s suspension came after a heated moment in April’s clash with Brentford.
He was shown a straight red card for what was judged to be a reckless arm swing that struck Nathan Collins in the face, sending the defender crashing to the ground.
VAR reviewed the incident but left the decision with referee Tim Robinson, who stood by his call.
That incident left Brighton a man down and contributed to their 4-2 defeat away from home.
Pedro’s Importance to Brighton’s Season
Despite the current drama, Joao Pedro remains a crucial player for Brighton.
He’s tied as the club’s top Premier League scorer this season, having netted 10 goals, and he’s under contract until 2028.
His offensive contributions have been a bright spot for the Seagulls, especially as they push to secure a place in European competition next season.
Teammate’s Praise Highlights Pedro’s Value
Interestingly, Jan Paul van Hecke, the teammate allegedly involved in the training ground dispute, has previously praised Pedro’s skills, especially his coolness under pressure when taking penalties.
After a win against Fulham in March, Van Hecke openly credited Pedro as the player he would trust to take important penalty kicks, even comparing him favorably to the likes of Mohamed Salah.
That adds another layer of intrigue to their reported fallout.
Brighton Declines to Comment on the Situation
When approached for a comment on the alleged training ground incident, Brighton declined to respond, keeping the situation tightly under wraps.
Mail Sport has reached out to the club for further details but has yet to receive a response.