Chaos erupted during the Campeonato Mineiro final in Brazil after a mass brawl between fierce rivals Cruzeiro and Atlético Mineiro resulted in an astonishing 23 red cards being issued to players from both teams.
The dramatic scenes unfolded on Sunday in Belo Horizonte during stoppage time of Cruzeiro’s 1-0 victory over Atlético Mineiro.
The trouble started when Atlético goalkeeper Everson rugby-tackled Cruzeiro midfielder Christian after the midfielder collided with him while contesting a loose ball the goalkeeper had spilled.
Tempers quickly flared when Everson was seen kneeling on Christian and shouting at him while the midfielder lay on the ground. The incident provoked an angry reaction from Cruzeiro players who rushed to confront the goalkeeper, pushing him into the net and triggering a massive melee.
What began as a confrontation near the goal rapidly escalated into a full-scale brawl that spread across the pitch. Players were seen punching, kicking and shoving each other, while substitutes and members of the coaching staff also joined the fracas.
Security personnel and match officials struggled to restore order as the violent altercation lasted for more than a minute before calm was eventually restored.
Although the match was completed without immediate dismissals, Brazilian media outlet O Globo later reported that the referee retrospectively issued 23 red cards — 12 to players from Cruzeiro Esporte Clube and 11 to players from Clube Atlético Mineiro — all recorded at 90+6 minutes.
Among those sent off was Atlético Mineiro’s star forward Hulk, who later expressed disappointment over the incident.
“It’s regrettable. I have never seen violence like that in any football game,” Hulk said.
“We cannot set that example because it has repercussions all around the world. We have a responsibility to protect our image and the image of the club.”
Despite the ugly scenes, Cruzeiro coach Tite, a former Brazil national team manager, thanked supporters for their backing following the tense victory.
“I want to convey to the Cruzeiro fans the affection and respect I have for them,” he said.
“I may lack competence at times, but respect for the fans, the work, the dignity and the honesty — that’s what matters.”
The unprecedented number of dismissals has sparked widespread debate in Brazilian football, with many observers describing the incident as one of the most chaotic endings to a football final in recent memory.
