Memphis Depay faces Copa Libertadores ban after middle-finger gesture to Estudiantes fans

Memphis Depay is facing a potential ban after CONMEBOL opened a disciplinary investigation into the Corinthians forward for allegedly raising his middle finger at Estudiantes supporters during a Copa Libertadores quarter-final first leg on Thursday.

The incident occurred in the 49th minute when Depay ran to celebrate Kaio Cesar’s equaliser at Estudiantes’ ground. The home crowd responded with boos and jeers, and Depay also told the referee that an object had been thrown at him from the stands. Estudiantes subsequently filed a formal complaint with CONMEBOL’s disciplinary unit, stating the gesture was “undeniably directed towards our stands.”

Corinthians had fallen behind after just four minutes through Alex Castro’s goal before Cesar’s leveller made it 1-1. The second leg of the quarter-final is scheduled for next week, and Corinthians moved quickly to argue that Depay should be eligible to play in it. The club noted that CONMEBOL set the defence submission deadline for September 17 — one day after the second leg — meaning any sanction could only be applied once the process concludes. “Respecting the deadline, Corinthians will present this defence to avoid any type of sanction against Memphis Depay,” the club said in a statement.

While Depay appears likely to feature in the return fixture, a ban covering future matches remains a real possibility if CONMEBOL rules against him.

The 32-year-old Dutch forward spent two-and-a-half years at Manchester United, making 53 appearances and contributing seven goals and five assists before departing. His time at Corinthians has not been without turbulence off the pitch either. Earlier this year, Depay publicly criticised the club after they initially declined to honour what he described as an agreed two-year contract extension. He eventually signed a new deal after accepting a significant pay cut.