Man United flop sparks huge on-pitch brawl after last-minute showboating for new club against their bitter rivals

Mass Confrontation Erupts in Campeonato Paulista Final

Palmeiras Players React Angrily to Showboating by Former Manchester United Star

A heated < Armstrong number of Brazilian football league's Campeonato Paulista final culminated in a mass brawl on Friday, sparked by contentious actions from a former Manchester United player. The Campeonato Paulista final clash between Corinthians and Palmeiras witnessed tensions flare as the match drew to a close, overshadowing Corinthians’ eventual victory and title win.

Fiery End to Campeonato Paulista Decider

The decisive second leg of the Campeonato Paulista final took place at Corinthians’ home ground, where they hosted Palmeiras. Corinthians entered the match with a 1-0 advantage from the first leg, placing them in a strong position to secure their 31st league title – a record in the competition and their first since 2019.

As the final minutes ticked away, with Corinthians on the cusp of victory, Memphis Depay, the ex-Manchester United forward who joined Corinthians from Atletico Madrid during the summer transfer window, became the focal point of controversy. In an attempt to run down the clock and ensure his team’s win, Depay took the ball towards the corner.

Depay’s Showboating Ignites Touchline Scuffle

Instead of simply shielding the ball to waste time, the Dutch international escalated tensions by ostentatiously standing on the ball with both feet. This act of perceived showboating incensed the Palmeiras players, triggering an immediate and chaotic mass brawl near the corner flag. Players from both sides became embroiled in the physical altercation.

Red Cards Issued After On-Pitch Melee

Match officials reacted swiftly to the escalating disorder, issuing red cards to two players for their involvement in the fracas. Jose Martinez, a midfielder for Corinthians, and Marcelo Lomba, the experienced goalkeeper for Palmeiras, were both dismissed from the field as a result of the on-pitch melee.

Despite the late drama and player dismissals, Corinthians managed to maintain their aggregate lead when play resumed. They successfully defended their advantage in the dwindling moments of the match, clinching the Campeonato Paulista title.

Depay Secures Another League Title After Manchester United Stint

For Memphis Depay, this championship marks the third league title triumph in his career. It comes almost a decade after his unsuccessful period at Old Trafford with Manchester United.

Following impressive performances in his native Netherlands with PSV Eindhoven, Depay attracted interest from top European clubs. Manchester United, overcoming competition from clubs like PSG, secured his signature in the summer of 2015. He signed a four-year contract with the Premier League giants.

However, his spell in the Premier League proved to be short-lived. After just 18 months, Depay departed Manchester United and joined French Ligue 1 side Lyon, having fallen out of favour at the English club.