Neal Maupay says his full-time clash with Wilfried Zaha was 'banter' after the Brighton striker copied his celebration following a dramatic last-minute equaliser against rivals

Neal Maupay played down his full-time argument with Wilfried Zaha as 'banter' after the pair clashed following the Brighton striker's last-minute equaliser at at Selhurst Park.

Zaha had given Palace the lead when he converted a penalty at the end of the first half, with the winger cupping his hands to his ears as he celebrated in front of the Brighton fans.

But Maupay had the last laugh as he levelled in the fifth minute of stoppage time before copying Zaha's celebration as he wheeled away to celebrate with the away supporters. 

Neal Maupay copied Wilfried Zaha's celebration after his last-minute equaliser against Crystal Palace
The Palace winger seemed irked by Maupay's actions at the full-time whistle

Neal Maupay (left) said his full-time clash with Wilfried Zaha (right) was 'banter' after the Brighton striker copied his celebration following his last-minute equaliser

Zaha seemed irked by Maupay's actions and several players from both sides clashed in heated scenes following the full-time whistle.


When asked about his argument with Zaha, Maupay told Sky Sports: 'Football is nothing without fans and some involvement with players.

'The atmosphere was really tough and when I scored I looked at Zaha and smiled at him because when he scored his penalty he celebrated and he gave some to our fans. 

'I won't say what he said and what I said but you know how it is on the pitch with players sometimes. 

Players from both sides squared up to each other in heated scenes after the full-time whistle

Players from both sides squared up to each other in heated scenes after the full-time whistle

The striker netted in the fifth minute of injury time to claim a dramatic late point for his team

 The striker netted in the fifth minute of injury time to claim a dramatic late point for his team

'You give banter on the pitch sometimes and it was the perfect time to give him something.'

Brighton could have gone top of the league with a victory but Maupay was happy to pick up a late point. 

'It's been a tough game. I thought Palace played well and we weren't so good today but the resilience of the team was spot on. In the end we scored so we are definitely happy with this point tonight.' 

When asked if he knew how late his goal was, the striker added: 'I knew because I asked the ref how long was on the clock and he said a minute so I was like "OK, we might have one more chance but we might not". 

Maupay said it was the perfect time to give Zaha something after he had celebrated in front of Brighton's fans for the opening goal

Maupay said it was the perfect time to give Zaha something after he had celebrated in front of Brighton's fans for the opening goal

'The ball went in behind the defender and I believed I could get it and in the end I scored so I'm very, very happy.

'You've got to believe the ball is coming to you even if you might not get it. If you don't believe the ball is coming then you might stop and it's too late and the defender might be in front of you. 

'The whole game we didn't have much to work with for the forwards but sometimes one chance is all it takes to score and get something from the game.'

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