Kendry Páez denies posting controversial social media message after River Plate's elimination

Kendry Páez has denied authoring a social media post that circulated online after River Plate's elimination from the Copa Sudamericana. The Ecuadorian midfielder found himself embroiled in controversy when a message, accompanied by a "gritted teeth" emoji and posted on Instagram stories, was attributed to him following the team's penalty shootout loss to Independiente Santa Fe.

Following the initial viral post, further content appeared, including a photo of Páez with goalkeeper Santiago Beltrán, who missed the decisive penalty. Páez's father, Ray Oliver, also posted a cryptic message, "Time proves us right," accompanied by emojis that are often associated with River Plate, a team nicknamed "gallinas" (hens).

Kendry Páez issued a statement via Instagram stories to clarify his position. He asserted that the controversial post never originated from his account and does not reflect his behavior. "I never would publish something to make fun of a result or a moment of the team," Páez stated, emphasizing his respect for River Plate, his teammates, and the club's supporters.

Hours after the controversy surfaced, Páez's seven-month loan spell at River Plate concluded. He had joined the Argentine club on loan from Chelsea in January. His return to Chelsea now leaves his future uncertain, with the British club set to decide his next steps after his participation in the Ecuador national team's World Cup campaign.