Brazilian football has always been known for its passion, flair, and unpredictability, and the latest Paulista A1 fixture between Corinthians and Santos was no exception. However, beyond the 2-1 victory for Corinthians, the match also became the center of social media discussions after a bizarre moment involving Memphis Depay and female referee Edina Alves.
Thus, today we know a bit more about Memphis, his recent move to Brazil, and this controversial moment that gave rise to a lot of buzz across social media.
Depay’s Move to Brazil: A New Chapter in His Career
Memphis Depay’s move to Corinthians took many by surprise. At 30 years old, the Dutch forward was expected to continue playing in Europe, but instead, he chose to take his talents to Brazil. After leaving Atlético Madrid as a free agent, Depay signed a two-year deal with Corinthians, keeping him at the club until 2026.
When questioned about this seemingly unusual move at the age of 30 and potentially the peak of his career, Depay gave a clear and passionate response:
Sometimes you have to look at the authenticity of the football. For me, Brazil is the Mecca of football. The joga bonito. People in Europe look up to the kids in Brazil. Special kinds of players always come from Brazil.
Depay completed his medical tests in Eindhoven, Netherlands, before finalizing his transfer to Corinthians. His arrival in Brazil was seen as a statement signing, with fans eager to see how he would adapt to the South American style of play.
Corinthians vs. Santos: Depay’s Performance and the Viral Incident
Depay played a key role in Corinthians’ 2-1 victory over Santos, providing an assist in the 82nd minute before being substituted. However, the game took a dramatic turn due to an interaction between him and referee Edina Alves, which quickly went viral.
The Incident: A Misunderstanding or Controversial Act?
During the match, Memphis Depay lost his temper and aggressively shoved the Santos goalkeeper after a heated moment.
This is a common tactic used by referees—both male and female—to maintain control in intense situations. However, Depay did not seem to appreciate it. He mimicked the gesture, placing his hand on Alves’ shoulder, which led to an immediate reaction from the referee. She swiftly rejected the touch, removing his hand, while Depay quietly walked away.
Social Media Reactions: Divided Opinions on Depay’s Actions
The clip of the interaction quickly spread across social media, leading to a divided response among football fans. Some felt Depay’s actions were inappropriate, while others believed it was simply a reactionary response.
Here’s what fans had to say:
“Depay is crazy lol.” – A fan who found the situation amusing.
“He’s right. She takes her hand away, he takes his away. Logical.” – This fan saw nothing wrong with the interaction, viewing it as a fair exchange.
“I’m waiting for the first feminist who will succeed in saying that Depay is wrong.” – A clear indication of how gender dynamics played into the discussion.
“Totally logical. When they are the ones doing it, they find it normal. But as soon as it’s the opposite…” – Likely a male fan, pointing out a perceived double standard.
Many argued that if a male referee had done the same, it wouldn’t have been an issue. Others believed that Depay’s behavior was unnecessary and could land him in trouble.
Will Depay Face The Consequences?
At this point, no official action has been taken against Depay for the incident. However, given the reaction on social media and the sensitivity surrounding player-referee interactions, it remains to be seen whether the authorities will review the footage and decide on any potential repercussions.
For now, Depay’s focus remains on his new journey in Brazil, but this viral moment has already sparked a heated debate that extends beyond football and into broader cultural and social discussions. Only time will tell if this incident has any lasting consequences for the Dutch forward.
