Kendry Páez denies mocking River Plate after tournament exit

Ecuadorian footballer Kendry Páez has denied allegations that he posted a provocative Instagram story following River Plate's elimination from the Copa Sudamericana. The controversy arose after River Plate lost to Independiente Santa Fe in a penalty shootout.

A screenshot attributed to Páez's account circulated on social media, showing a black background with a clenched-teeth emoji. Many fans interpreted the post as a mockery of the Argentine club's defeat.

Páez addressed the situation on social media, stating, “I have seen that a story is circulating on social networks that I supposedly published after the match and I want to clarify that such a publication never came from my account.” He emphasized that he would never post something to mock a difficult moment for the team, noting that he made the clarification out of respect for River Plate, his teammates, and the supporters.