Andreas Pereira on derby row: ‘Just cleaning my boots’ | OneFootball

Andreas Pereira has addressed the derby controversy, saying he was only cleaning his boots when he moved his foot beside the penalty spot during Corinthians' first-half penalty.

On the kick, Memphis Depay slipped with his plant foot in the same area and sent the effort wide, an incident that sparked fierce debate among supporters and pundits.

"These things happen in football, the important thing is we won the game," Andreas said, speaking to Amazon Prime. "I was only cleaning my boot there, the pitch was muddy and a bit loose."

Club president Leila Pereira later backed the midfielder, arguing Depay missed because he struck the ball poorly and noting he slipped in several other parts of the pitch.

Pereira then stood out again with his play, recording an assist and a goal in Palmeiras' 3-1 win away to Internacional. The result took Verdão to seven points and top in the third round of the Brasileirão.

Source: Globo.com