Former Manchester United forward Memphis Depay is facing disciplinary action from CONMEBOL after making an 'offensive' gesture during a game.

The forward, who played 53 times for the Red Devils between 2015 and 2017, now plies his trade in Brazil with Corinthians.

His side have qualified for the quarter-finals of the Copa Libertadores, and are favourites to reach the last four after drawing 1-1 away at Estudiantes in the first leg.

But it didn't come without controversy. Alexis Castro had just scored to put Depay and Co behind in the first-half, but in the second period, Kaio Cesar equalised, which triggered a response from Depay towards the home fans.

The Corinthians players were running to the corner to celebrate the goal, but Depay still had time to put his middle finger up to the supporters.

There are now fears the 32-year-old could face a ban, with it currently unclear what game – or games – he will miss, if any.

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Home fans responded with loud boos, with Depay then approaching the referee to claim an object had been thrown in his direction.

Estudiantes, though, were taking no prisoners. The club said after the game that they have 'filed a complaint with the CONMEBOL disciplinary unit regarding the offensive gestures made by opposing player Memphis Depay, which were undeniably directed towards our stands'.

Corinthians have moved to defend their player, suggesting that it would be impossible for Depay to be banned for the second leg because the deadline for any defence is the day after the game.

They said: 'The deadline for submitting a defense, set by CONMEBOL, is September 17, one day after the Copa Libertadores quarter-final second leg. Therefore, any potential sanction would only be applied after the ruling, which will take place following the presentation of the defense. Respecting the deadline, Corinthians will present this defense to avoid any type of sanction against Memphis Depay.'

He therefore seems set to play the second leg, but could miss other games.

It was as recent as this summer that Depay hit out at Corinthians for their 'unacceptable behaviour' at not honouring an alleged agreement between both parties for him to sign a new contract at the club.

After it had seemed he was set to leave the club, he wrote on social media: 'Very disappointed to read that Corinthians decided not to honour our agreement in place to extend my contract for two more years.

'This renewal was explicitly agreed upon by the president as well as the sporting, legal and financial department. Some people decided however to breach this engagement.

'I didn't want this situation and always respected the club throughout the process, but now I am forced to react strongly in order to preserve my interests.

'In the upcoming days I will speak publicly but rest assured that I will not leave this unacceptable behaviour unsanctioned.'

Corinthians said they could not extend Depay's deal due to their finances, but a new deal was eventually agreed when the player agreed a significant pay cut.