"There was a moment of showboating followed by several of chaos. Memphis Depay stood with both feet on the ball as Corinthians ticked towards glory in the Paulista A1 final against Palmeiras, sparking a mass brawl that eventually led to a player from each side sent off. The move enraged not only the opposition but also the Brazilian football federation, which responded by suggesting the act was a "provocation to a rival and disrespects the game", one punishable by a yellow card."
""I really went to Brazil to experience jogo bonito [the beautiful game]," said the Netherlands forward Depay. "There is so much talent over here. The joy and passion in the way of expressing ourselves on the field shouldn't be limited." "Football is getting more and more boring," added Neymar. Depay is not your conventional footballer. Rapper, philanthropist, muse. Sweatband cradling his brow and lion inked on his back, the 31-year-old has boldly written his own legacy."
Memphis Depay's showboating on the ball in Corinthians' Paulista A1 final provoked a mass brawl that led to a player from each side being sent off. The Brazilian football federation labeled the action a provocation that disrespects the game and said it warranted a yellow card. Depay and Neymar defended expressive on-field flair, praising Brazil's talent, joy and passion in playing. Depay's background blends music, philanthropy and high-profile tattoos, and a career spanning PSV, Manchester United, Lyon and Spain before moving to Brazil. Depay is the Netherlands' all-time top scorer with 52 goals, and Ronald Koeman traveled to Brazil to assess his national-team value. Contractual bonus disputes with Corinthians have arisen despite Depay's cult status.
Read at www.bbc.com
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