A chaotic brawl during the Campeonato Mineiro final between Cruzeiro and Atlético Mineiro resulted in an extraordinary 23 red cards being issued after the match.
The confrontation occurred on Sunday in Belo Horizonte, deep into stoppage time of Cruzeiro’s 1–0 victory.
How the brawl started
The incident was sparked when Atlético Mineiro goalkeeper Everson rugby-tackled Cruzeiro midfielder Christian after a loose ball challenge.
Following the collision, Everson knelt on Christian and shouted at him while applying pressure to his back. The action provoked an angry response from Cruzeiro players, who rushed toward the goalkeeper and pushed him into the net.
What began as a heated exchange near the goal quickly escalated into a mass melee, with players kicking, punching and pushing each other while security staff and officials attempted to restore order.
The altercation spilled into the other half of the pitch and lasted for more than a minute, also involving substitutes and members of the coaching staff.
Referee issues 23 red cards
Although the match was completed without immediate dismissals, the referee later reviewed the incident and retrospectively issued 23 red cards — 12 to Cruzeiro players and 11 to Atlético Mineiro players, according to reports by Brazilian media.
Hulk condemns violence
Former Brazil international and Atlético Mineiro forward Hulk condemned the scenes after the match.
“It’s regrettable, I have never seen violence like that in any football game. We cannot set that example because it ends up having repercussions all around the world,” he said.
Cruzeiro coach reacts
Cruzeiro’s coach Tite, a former Brazil national team manager, thanked supporters for their backing despite the chaotic end to the match.
“I want to convey to the Cruzeiro fans the affection and respect I have for them.
I may lack competence at times, but respect for the fans, the work, the dignity, the honesty — that’s what counts,” he said.
The disciplinary actions affected several players from both sides, including Everson, Hulk and Christian, all listed in the referee’s report for the 90+6 minute incident.
