Former Manchester United forward Memphis Depay is facing disciplinary action from CONMEBOL, South American football's governing body, after making what has been described as an offensive gesture during Corinthians' Copa Libertadores quarter-final first leg at Estudiantes.
Corinthians drew 1-1 away at Estudiantes, a result that leaves them favourites to reach the semi-finals of the competition. But the match was overshadowed by an incident involving Depay in the second half.
Alexis Castro had put Estudiantes ahead in the first half before Kaio Cesar equalised for Corinthians in the second period. As his teammates ran to the corner to celebrate the goal, Depay put his middle finger up towards the home supporters.
Home fans responded with loud boos, and Depay then approached the referee to claim that an object had been thrown in his direction.
Estudiantes said after the game that they had filed a complaint with the CONMEBOL disciplinary unit regarding the offensive gestures made by Depay, which they said were undeniably directed towards their stands.
Corinthians defend Depay
Corinthians have moved to defend their player, arguing that it would be impossible for Depay to be banned for the second leg because the deadline for submitting a defence falls after that fixture is played.
The club said the deadline for submitting a defence, set by CONMEBOL, is September 17, one day after the Copa Libertadores quarter-final second leg. They said any potential sanction would therefore only be applied after a ruling is made following the presentation of the defence, and confirmed they will present that defence to try to avoid any sanction against Depay.
Depay therefore appears set to play the second leg, though it remains unclear whether he could miss other matches further down the line, with no confirmation yet of any ban.
Depay's Corinthians career
Depay, 32, played 53 times for Manchester United between 2015 and 2017 before later moving on to Brazilian football with Corinthians.
His time at the Sao Paulo club has not been without tension. This summer, Depay publicly criticised Corinthians for what he called unacceptable behaviour after the club initially declined to honour an alleged agreement to extend his contract by two more years.
Writing on social media at the time, Depay said he was very disappointed to read that Corinthians had decided not to honour their agreement, adding that the renewal had been explicitly agreed by the club's president as well as its sporting, legal and financial departments. He said some people had decided to breach that engagement, that he had always respected the club throughout the process, but felt forced to react strongly to preserve his interests, and warned he would not leave the matter unsanctioned.
Corinthians said at the time that they could not extend Depay's deal because of their finances, but a new contract was eventually agreed after the player accepted a significant pay cut.
