Neymar’s return to Santos has reignited interest in Brazilian soccer, but one of the most talked-about recent moments was sparked by Dutch star Memphis Depay. Following a controversial incident involving the Corinthians forward, Neymar took to social media with a 10-word message commenting on the state of the modern game.
During the second leg of the Campeonato Paulista final between Corinthians and Palmeiras, Depay stood on the ball near the corner flag late in the match. The move, seen by many as provocative, triggered a brief scuffle between players and quickly made headlines around the world. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) responded swiftly.
On Friday, the CBF sent a memo to clubs and federations stating that any player who stands on or steps on the ball during a match in the Campeonato Brasileiro will receive a yellow card. The rationale cited was “unsporting behavior” and “a lack of respect for the game.”
Neymar reacts to the new rule
Known for his creativity and flair, Neymar has long been a symbol of “jogo bonito” – the beautiful game. So it came as no surprise when the Santos forward publicly criticized the rule.
Reacting to an Instagram post by Denilson Show highlighting the change, Neymar commented: “Football is getting more and more boring. Too much whining,” the Santos forward wrote, clearly against the measure established by the CBF.
Depay, whose actions prompted the change, also expressed his discontent after Corinthians’ 3-0 win over Vasco da Gama on Saturday. The forward was on the receiving end of a hard tackle that many felt warranted a red card, but VAR opted not to intervene.
“I don’t know what VAR did today. In the first half, they could have checked the play on my ankle—it was a foul worthy of a red card. But instead, they prefer to make rules like the one about not standing on the ball. What are we talking about? Football, right? I think if it goes on like this, those in charge of football in Brazil will end up doing the wrong thing,” Depay said postgame.
