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

Memphis Depay is facing a potential ban after Estudiantes lodged a formal complaint with CONMEBOL’s disciplinary unit, accusing the Corinthians forward of making an offensive gesture towards their supporters during Tuesday’s Copa Libertadores quarter-final first leg in La Plata.

The incident occurred in the 49th minute as Depay celebrated Kaio Cesar’s equaliser, which cancelled out Alex Castro’s fourth-minute opener for Estudiantes. The 32-year-old Dutch forward appeared to raise his middle finger towards the home crowd, drawing a chorus of boos and jeers. Depay also informed the referee that an object had been thrown in his direction from the stands.

Estudiantes confirmed 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.”

Corinthians moved quickly to address the timeline of any potential punishment, pointing out that CONMEBOL’s deadline for submitting a defence falls on 17 September — one day after the quarter-final second leg. “Therefore, any potential sanction would only be applied after the ruling, which will take place following the presentation of the defence,” the club stated, adding that they would file a defence to protect Depay from any immediate suspension.

While that regulatory quirk appears to leave Depay free to feature in the return fixture, a ban for future matches remains a possibility if CONMEBOL finds him guilty.

The former Manchester United forward spent two and a half years at Old Trafford, making 53 appearances and scoring seven goals. His relationship with Corinthians has itself been turbulent: earlier this summer Depay publicly accused the club of reneging on a verbal agreement to extend his contract by two years, writing on social media that he was “very disappointed” and warning he would “not leave this unacceptable behaviour unsanctioned.” He ultimately signed a new deal, though at a significantly reduced salary.