Man Utd flop faces investigation and ban after ‘offensive’ fan incident
Memphis Depay is facing a possible ban after the former Manchester United forward allegedly made an ‘offensive’ gesture towards opposition fans
Memphis Depay was a flop at Manchester United(Image: Mike Hewitt)
Memphis Depay faces an investigation and a possible ban after being accused of making a crude gesture towards fans. The former Manchester United man was in action for Brazilian side Corinthians in the Copa Libertadores.
Depay could find himself in hot water for an incident during the first leg of the quarter-final against Estudiantes. His team found themselves behind with just four minutes on the clock.
But, shortly after the half-time break, Kaio Cesar’s goal made it 1-1, and that’s how the game would finish. Depay’s celebration saw him appear to flash a middle finger to the home fans as he made his way to the corner to celebrate the goal.
Mamphis Depay faces a possible ban. (Image: Marcos Brindicci, Getty Images)
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The crowd responded with boos and jeers. Depay also claimed to the referee that an object had been hurled in his direction.
However, it was his gesture that prompted Estudiantes to lodge a formal complaint. Following the match, they announced that they had” filed a complaint with the CONMEBOL disciplinary unit regarding the offensive gestures made by opposing player Memphis Depay, which were undeniably directed towards our stands.”
The second leg of the quarter-final is scheduled for next week, and in response, Corinthians highlighted a regulation that should permit their striker to feature in the fixture. “The deadline for submitting a defence, set by CONMEBOL, is September 17, one day after the Copa Libertadores quarter-final second leg,” they stated.
“Therefore, any potential sanction would only be applied after the ruling, which will take place following the presentation of the defence. Respecting the deadline, Corinthians will present this defence to avoid any type of sanction against Memphis Depay.”
While the regulations suggest that Depay is likely to feature in the second leg, he could potentially face a suspension for future matches if found guilty.
The 32-year-old had a two-and-a-half-year stint with United, during which he made 53 appearances, netted seven goals and provided five assists.
Memphis Depay spent two-and-a-half years with Manchester United. (Image: Tom Purslow, Manchester United via Getty Images)
His future was shrouded in doubt this summer, with the player expressing his disappointment at Corinthians for not offering him a new contract. “Very disappointed to read that Corinthians decided not to honour our agreement in place to extend my contract for two more years,” he posted on social media.
“This renewal was explicitly agreed upon by the president as well as the sporting, legal and financial department. Some people decided however to breach this engagement.
“I didn’t want this situation and always respected the club throughout the process, but now I am forced to react strongly in order to preserve my interests. In the upcoming days I will speak publicly but rest assured that I will not leave this unacceptable behaviour unsanctioned.”
Depay eventually put pen to paper on a new deal with the club, after agreeing to a substantial reduction in wages.
