From Memphis and Garro to the board, Corinthians fans demand respect | OneFootball

Corinthians, on the night of last Wednesday (17), ended up being defeated by Estudiantes-ARG at Itaquera by 1-0 in the second leg of the 2026 Conmebol Libertadores quarterfinals, played at Neo Química Arena. The result meant Timão were eliminated after losing 2-1 on aggregate across the two matches.

Almost 24 hours after the match, Gaviões da Fiel posted a statement on their social media demanding respect for the Corinthians fans and calling out two of the main players in the current squad: forward Memphis Depay and midfielder Rodrigo Garro. The former had the chance to level the match with the last kick of the game and blasted a penalty over the bar. In the statement, the club’s main organized supporters’ group says that “The time has come to justify the investment Corinthians made in renewing your contract. Otherwise, ask to leave.”

Photo: Daniel Augusto Jr/Agência Corinthians

The No. 10 has just one goal and two assists in 20 matches this season, in addition to having dealt with physical problems, especially at the start of last season. In the middle of this year, he was involved in a long contractual renewal saga and, with the support of the fans in general, remained at Parque São Jorge.

As for Rodrigo Garro, Gaviões are demanding more leadership from the No. 8 instead of frequent “complaints to the referees”. In the statement, the criticism is also aimed at the squad and coaching staff as a whole: “there is a lack of commitment, dedication, and attitude. The fans are tired of talk. Wearing this shirt demands much more,” says part of the excerpt – See the full official statement at the end of this article.

The statement also mentions president Osmar Stabile and vice-president Armando Mendonça who, according to Gaviões da Fiel, have shown no ability to change Corinthians’ financial situation and are also dealing with pending bonus payments to players, in addition to three transfer bans – two from FIFA and one from the CBF – totaling approximately R$ 22 million. Both officials are under investigation by the São Paulo Public Prosecutor’s Office (MP-SP) for alleged irregularities in the management of the club, with Armando facing charges for the alleged diversion of the club’s sports equipment.

Finally, the organized supporters also mentioned the share of blame borne by the club’s board members, who, “By resisting bylaw reform and the professionalization of the club, contribute to the instability that harms Corinthians.”

Corinthians now turn their attention to the Brazilian Championship, a tournament in which they are coming off five straight defeats and need to move away from the relegation zone – currently four points clear of it. Next Sunday (20), Alvinegro will host Fluminense, again at Neo Química Arena, at 4 p.m. (Brasília time), for the 28th round of the national competition. At the moment, Timão sit only 13th with 32 points – eight wins, eight draws, and 11 defeats – 28 goals scored and 29 conceded.

GAVIÕES DEMAND RESPECT FOR THE FIEL SUPPORTERS

The elimination cannot be blamed on a single moment. The missed penalty was only the reflection of a sequence of errors that have been weakening Corinthians for months: lack of planning, absence of leadership in football operations, inefficient management, and poor decisions.

Memphis, your penalty kick was irresponsible and careless, and you were the main person responsible for the elimination from the Conmebol Libertadores. The time has come to justify the investment Corinthians made in renewing your contract. Otherwise, ask to leave.

Garro, how long will complaints to the referees replace the leadership expected from a No. 8? Corinthians need leadership and character in decisive moments.

To the rest of the squad, the message is clear: there is a lack of commitment, dedication, and attitude. The fans are tired of talk. Wearing this shirt demands much more.

Our criticism also extends to the board led by Osmar Stabile, reported by the São Paulo Public Prosecutor’s Office, and Armando Mendonça, who is a defendant in court proceedings. The current administration has shown itself incapable of presenting concrete solutions to the club’s countless problems. It is unacceptable that Corinthians have spent more than 100 days dealing with restrictions that limit their activity in the market, without effective answers.

The board members also bear responsibility. By resisting bylaw reform and the professionalization of the club, they contribute to the instability that harms Corinthians.

The coaching staff must also assume their share of the blame. The squad’s limitations do not explain defeats to the bottom team in the championship nor performances so far below expectations in decisive matches. Fernando Diniz, Corinthians need to produce more.

The missed penalty was only the most visible consequence of a much bigger problem. Players, coaching staff, board, and board members are all responsible for the current situation.

The Fiel will never abandon Corinthians, but will continue demanding attitude, competence, seriousness, and respect for the club’s history.

Corinthians demand respect.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.