Corinthians Relies on Bruno Henrique Case to Defend Memphis Depay at Conmebol.
Corinthians is seeking to defend itself after a complaint by Estudiantes (ARG) to Conmebol regarding the suspension of striker Memphis Depay. The Dutch player is under scrutiny by the South American governing body due to a gesture deemed unsportsmanlike during a goal celebration in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals.
The São Paulo-based club, looking ahead to the second leg scheduled for this Wednesday (16), found a precedent in a similar case involving Flamengo striker Bruno Henrique.
Estudiantes’ Action and Depay’s Gesture
Estudiantes formally submitted a request to Conmebol‘s disciplinary unit, demanding punishment for Memphis Depay. The alleged infraction occurred after Corinthians‘ equalizer, when the striker reportedly showed his middle finger to the Argentine crowd.
The Pincharatas argue that such an attitude violates the entity’s disciplinary code, classifying it as unsportsmanlike conduct and provocation.
Bruno Henrique Precedent at Flamengo
In its defense strategy, Corinthians is modeling its approach on a situation experienced by Flamengo in 2025. On that occasion, Bruno Henrique was also reported for unsportsmanlike conduct after a match against Estudiantes, also in the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals.
In that incident, Conmebol opted for a warning and a $25,000 fine for the Rubro-Negro player, without imposing a suspension. It is on this basis that the São Paulo-based club will build its argument, presenting Depay‘s defense to Conmebol this Thursday (17).
Depay Cleared for Decisive Match
Despite the ongoing disciplinary process, Memphis Depay is cleared to participate in the second leg against Estudiantes, which will take place at Neo Química Arena, at 9:30 PM BRT (Brasília Time). The case’s judgment is running in parallel and does not prevent the player’s inclusion in the lineup for the match that offers a spot in the Copa Libertadores semifinals.
The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw, making the return match even more crucial, with the possibility of a penalty shootout in the event of another tie.
Flamengo’s Context in the Copa Libertadores and Brazilian Serie A
While Corinthians focuses on the Copa Libertadores, Flamengo also continues its continental journey. The Rubro-Negro built an advantage by defeating Independiente del Valle (ECU) 2-0 in Quito and seeks to confirm qualification in the return match at Maracanã this Thursday (17).
Domestically, Flamengo is preparing to face none other than Corinthians this Sunday (13) at Maracanã, for the 27th round of the Brazilian Serie A. The team led by Leonardo Jardim aims to maintain its good form in the competition.
Follow all details about Flamengo in the 2026 season on Coluna do Fla‘s website, social media, and YouTube channel. The match against Corinthians will be broadcast by Globo (free-to-air TV), Premiere (pay-per-view), and GE TV (YouTube).
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