Brighton & Hove Albion striker Joao Pedro was left out of the squad for the win over Liverpool due to a training ground bust-up with teammate Jan Paul van Hecke, according to The Athletic.
Pedro was set to return to the starting XI following a three-game suspension, but missed the game.
Head coach Fabian Hurzeler cited private reasons for his omission, but the Brazilian was reportedly involved in an altercation with Van Hecke.
The bust-up reportedly happened in the week leading to the May 10 fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
However, while the 23-year-old was absent, Van Hecke started and played the full 90 minutes in both matches.
The incident occurred during a training session ahead of the trip to Molineux, which Pedro missed due to the final game of his suspension following a red card against Brentford in April.
Pedro inexplicably escaped punishment for swinging an elbow at Brentford midfielder Yehor Yarmolyuk in December.
He also dodged another red card after jumping recklessly into Ipswich Town goalkeeper Christian Walton about a month later.
Big clubs will be watching and wary
Pedro is Brighton’s joint-top Premier League scorer this season with 10 goals. He is a talented and versatile forward.
He has registered 30 goals and 10 assists in 70 appearances for Brighton, attracting the attention of Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool.
However, his temperament is now under the microscope when he has a big-money summer move on the cards.
A violent conduct ban for the blatant foul on Nathan Collins of Brentford, the incident with Yarmolyuk, and an altercation with a teammate will fuel concerns about his discipline.
That Van Hecke remained involved, and Pedro did not, suggests the blame lies squarely with the former Watford star.
Elite clubs in the upper echelons of the Premier League table may hesitate when character questions overshadow output.
Pedro is a top prospect, but his attitude could cost him a move to a top club.
