Jean-Philippe Mateta seems to love playing for Crystal Palace at the Amex Stadium.
The Crystal Palace No.14 scored his first goal for the Eagles at the home of Brighton back in February 2021 with a backheeled effort, before also netting a header from nearly outside the box at the same venue last season.
While the Frenchman was unable to get on the scoresheet on Sunday as Crystal Palace recorded a 3-1 win over the Seagulls, he still played his part as a double from Ismaila Sarr and a strike from Trevoh Chalobah, who impressed Chelsea fans, moved the south Londoners up to 15th in the Premier League.
However, Crystal Palace fans will perhaps enjoy what Jean-Philippe Mateta did to Brighton fans after the final whistle more than anything he did during the actual game.
Jean-Philippe Mateta taunts Brighton supporters
For the wealthier Brighton fans, a Tunnel Club experience is available, which includes a five-course dining experience and the chance to watch the players line up in the tunnel before kick-off, and also see them walk back into the dressing room.
However, Brighton supporters got more than they bargained for when this supposedly luxurious experience turned into a nightmare, as Mateta rubbed the win in their faces from inside the tunnel after full-time.
Footage released by Crystal Palace shows it was actually Nathaniel Clyne who encouraged the 27-year-old to goad the Brighton fans, as you can see below.
Dean Henderson also took the opportunity to celebrate right in front of the Tunnel Club – in a video that we presume Crystal Palace fans will be watching for quite some time.
Crystal Palace need to tie Jean-Philippe Mateta down to fresh terms
Mateta, who Darren Bent admires, has risen from a mere squad player to a firm fan favourite at Crystal Palace across the past 12 months, scoring 13 goals in 13 games under Oliver Glasner last season to end the 2023/24 campaign as one of Europe’s most prolific strikers.
However, the man from Sevran will only have 12 months remaining on his contract at the end of this season, a situation Crystal Palace need to sort out.
Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace reacts during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Manchester City FC at Selhurst Park on ...
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Mateta – who Aston Villa wanted last summer – is said to be requesting £90,000-a-week to sign a new deal at Selhurst Park, according to Alan Nixon, which would represent a £40,000 increase on his current weekly salary.
With plenty of time remaining in his prime at the age of 27 and icon status amongst the Selhurst Park faithful, Steve Parish risks upsetting the Crystal Palace fanbase significantly if he fails to agree terms with the popular frontman.
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