Memphis Depay has rapidly turn into one of the vital talked-about stars in Brazil since becoming a member of the league—proper alongside Neymar’s return to Santos. However this time, the Dutchman made headlines not for his objectives or assists, however for triggering a rule change in Brazilian soccer after a daring second throughout a match.
Depay and Neymar, now teammates in Brazil and longtime pals, confronted off when Corinthians defeated Santos within the semifinals of the Campeonato Paulista. That victory despatched Depay’s Corinthians to the ultimate towards Palmeiras, the place they claimed a 1-0 win within the first leg forward of the decisive match at Neo Quimica Area on March 27.
With the clock winding down and Corinthians seeking to defend their lead, Depay discovered himself close to the nook flag within the 89th minute. In an act seen by many as showboating or provocation, he stood on the ball—prompting an offended response from Palmeiras gamers and sparking a short brawl.
Corinthians went on to carry the title, however the highlight rapidly shifted to Depay’s viral second, which flooded social media and caught the eye of the Brazilian Soccer Confederation (CBF).
CBF responds with new rule
Lower than two weeks later, the CBF issued a memo to golf equipment and federations confirming that gamers who stand on or step on the ball throughout matches within the Campeonato Brasileiro will now obtain a yellow card. The governing physique defined the reasoning behind the brand new regulation:
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“There are totally different circumstances by which a participant should be cautioned with a yellow card for unsporting conduct, together with displaying a scarcity of respect for the sport,” reads a piece of the memo.
The announcement got here a day earlier than Depay’s subsequent look, a 3-0 win over Vasco da Gama on Saturday. In that match, the Dutch ahead was on the receiving finish of a tough deal with to his proper ankle, which he later highlighted on social media. Within the submit match interview, Depay addressed the brand new rule, voicing his frustration with the federation’s priorities:
“I don’t know what VAR did at this time. Within the first half, they might have checked the play on my ankle—it was a foul worthy of a crimson card. However as a substitute, they like to make guidelines just like the one about not standing on the ball. What are we speaking about? Soccer, proper? I believe if it goes on like this, these in control of soccer in Brazil will find yourself doing the unsuitable factor,” complained Memphis.
“I wish to be clear about this: Brazil is the nation of soccer, and soccer isn’t simply performed together with your toes, but in addition together with your thoughts. They should do a greater job,” he added.
