Wolves fans were left feeling deflated by more than just the squad’s performance against Chelsea.
Gary O’Neil’s side have started the season far from desired, conceding eight goals in their opening two games against Arsenal and Chelsea.
Wolves beat the Blues both home and away last term, results that could not be replicated on Sunday afternoon as the Old Gold were thrashed 6-2 at Molineux.
The hosts went in at half-time with the score level at 2-2, seeing Matheus Cunha and Jorgen Strand Larsen get off the mark in the 2024/25 Premier League.
Things quickly went wrong for Wolves in the second half, as Rayan Ait-Nouri crumbled and Noni Madueke netted a hattrick, added later by a Joao Felix goal to rub salt in the wounds.
Just to make matters worse, Pedro Neto claimed an assist on his return to Wolverhampton for the first time following his transfer to Chelsea, where the winger conducted himself in a surprising manner.
Wolves fans are not happy with Pedro Neto after Chelsea defeat
Joining the Blues only a fortnight before his Molineux return, Neto seemed to quickly forget the five years he’d spent growing as a player in Old Gold.
When the 24-year-old was introduced at half-time, he received a warm welcome, something that was later retracted as the Portugal international celebrated heavily.
There are no rules that confine former players from celebrating against their ex-club however, the way Neto celebrated Felix’s goal and Chelsea’s sixth left many home supporters furious.
After the game, Neto sent a message on social media to Wolves, which read, “Always special to come back to a place that means a lot to me,” a statement that fans were quick to react to.
“Poor from you today, Pedro. Shame on you,” one fan said, to which another responded, “You let yourself down today.”
Another supporter made a claim for other departed Wolves players when reacting to Neto’s exuberant celebration.
“Not many ex players get the ovation which you did today and to celebrate like that, in a blow out win – when you didn’t even score was very odd. The likes of Neves and Raul would never. A little bit of class would have gone a long way.”
One Wolves fan said, “Celebration was embarrassing, quick to forget the club that brought you to England & paid you handsomely!” a statement that was agreed with by many.
“Show some respect Pedro. Celebrating in front of the club who made you the player you are and helped you get your big move to Chelsea.”
Fans on Instagram also flooded the winger’s comments to express the disrespect they felt.
- Maybe don’t celebrate against your ex team
- Didn’t look like it meant a lot to you celebrating an assist like you’d won the World Cup a fortnight after leaving…
- All respect I had for you has gone.
- Any need for the intense celebration? We showed you respect when you came on, would have been nice to show us some back!
- Special to come back? And you celebrate?? Shameful
Neto celebration was the least of Wolves’ worries
While supporters were fuming about Neto’s decision to celebrate, the former players’ actions were merely the icing on the cake of what was a terrible day at Molineux.
For the first time since 2007, Wolves conceded six goals at Molineux, with the last time being a 6-0 defeat to Southampton in the Championship.
It was a day to forget for Wolves fans, yet one required to send a warning to Fosun, Matt Hobbs and O’Neil, as deadline day fast approaches.
A lot of work will need to be done between now and Friday to ensure that the current squad can reach similar heights to last season.