Former Man Utd forward faces ban after 'offensive' gesture towards fans

Ex- Manchester United forward Memphis Depay could be handed a possible ban after being accused of making an 'offensive' gesture. The Dutchman was in action for Brazilian side Corinthians.

They took on Estudiantes in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores quarter-final. They were 1-0 down at half-time thanks to Alex Castro's fourth-minute goal.

Corinthians were, however, able to draw level in the 49th minute through Kaio Cesar. During the celebrations, Depay appears to put his middle finger up towards the home fans.

The crowd responded with a chorus of boos and jeers. Depay also claimed to the referee that an object had been hurled in his direction.

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Yet it was his gesture that prompted Estudiantes to lodge a formal complaint. Following the match, the club 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."

The second leg of the quarter-final is scheduled for next week, and in response, Corinthians highlighted a regulation that should permit their forward 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 Depay is likely to feature in the second leg, he could still face a suspension for future fixtures if found guilty.

The 32-year-old spent two and a half years at United, making 53 appearances during that spell, netting seven goals and chipping in with five assists.

His future was shrouded in doubt this summer after the player publicly hit out at Corinthians for failing to offer him a contract extension. "Very disappointed to read that Corinthians decided not to honour our agreement in place to extend my contract for two more years," he wrote 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 ultimately put pen to paper on a fresh deal with the club, albeit after agreeing to take a considerable reduction in wages.