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Memphis Depay joined Brazilian club Corinthians in 2024 Corinthians forward Memphis Depay has criticised a decision by the Brazil Football Federation (CBF) to punish players for standing on the ball during matches. The CBF has announced that players should be shown a yellow card if they stand on the ball with both feet and the opposing team awarded an indirect free-kick. The decision came after Depay performed the move in injury time during Corinthians' Paulista A1 final victory against Palmeiras on March 28. The skill, performed near the corner flag after Depay had feigned crossing the ball into the box, enraged Palmeiras' players and sparked a mass brawl between both teams. Palmeiras substitute goalkeeper Marcelo Lomba and Corinthians midfielder Jose Martinez were sent off following a lengthy VAR review, which resulted in over 18 minutes of additional time being added by the officials. In a subsequent letter to clubs, the CBF said the act of standing on the ball was a "provocation to a rival and disrespects the game". However, former Manchester United forward Depay, 31, said the decision to ban the move was not in keeping with the spirit of the game in Brazil. "I really went to Brazil to also experience Jogo Bonito [the beautiful game] first hand but now the CBF announced yesterday that no player can stand on the ball or the player will receive a yellow card, " Depay wrote on X. "Not that it is such an important factor in football but I don't see the issue here. There is so much talent over here. The joy and passion in the way of expressing ourselves on the field shouldn't be limited. "I really wonder what the board of the CBF looks like. Who's deciding the future of this beautiful football country? "Let's focus on what rules can improve the sport and focus on the business side of football - what benefits the clubs the fans and players instead of these silly announcements. " And Depay's views seem to be at least partially shared by Santos forward Neymar, who posted on Instagram to say "football is getting more and more boring". Depay's decision to stand on the ball against Palmeiras sparked a mass brawl Listen to the latest Football Daily podcast Get football news sent straight to your phone '20 years since this kind of game' - Champions League build-up as Arsenal host Real Madrid 'We need the Masters' - Augusta's adversity after Hurricane Helene Why Odegaard fell short at Real & thrived at Arsenal A revenge thriller told from a unique point of view Lifting the veil on the mysterious Bayeux Tapestry A notorious and much-feared Irish crime organisation Richard Osman’s compelling and endearing crime thriller Is Tsunoda an improvement on Lawson? F1 Q&A Why Odegaard fell short at Real & thrived at Arsenal 'We need the Masters' - Augusta's adversity after Hurricane Helene The last time I confess my real feelings - Humphries We watched every Premier League manager - here's what we found out Ex-champion Langer braced for 'emotional' Masters farewell 'I'd love team built around him' - who should Man City keep, or sell? 'We would love to see more spectators' - was Grand Slam Track a success? 'Blessed' - From tennis prodigy to basketball star How Verstappen stole Suzuka with Mc Laren stuck in 'rabbit hole' Ovechkin beats legend Gretzky's NHL goal record 'We must avoid that record' - how it all went wrong for relegated Saints Tearful Mullins savours career peak after National success with son Masters - dates, tee times, favourites & how to follow on the BBC Should female footballers play on different pitches? Shirts, sponsors and bad blood: how Trump's tariffs might affect sport Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.