A mass brawl by players, substitutes and coaching staff on both sides marred Cruzeiro’s 1-0 victory over Atletico Mineiro in the Campeonato Mineiro final in Belo Horizonte on Sunday, resulting in 23 red cards in what Brazilian newspaper O Globo said was the highest number of dismissals in a single match in Brazilian football history.
The scenes overshadowed what should have been a milestone for Cruzeiro, who were crowned state champions of Minas Gerais. Instead, the military police had to intervene as a confrontation that began in the closing minutes stretched the length of the pitch and lasted more than a minute.
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The trouble started when Atletico goalkeeper Everson responded to a challenge from Cruzeiro midfielder Christian by rugby-tackling him to the ground and dropping both knees to his head. Christian’s teammates immediately surrounded Everson and the situation quickly escalated into an all-out brawl, with players punching and kicking each other as substitutes and staff from both sides joined in.
The footage, which was widely shared on social media, showed Atletico striker and former Brazil international Hulk punching an opponent in the back of the head before being kicked in the chest. He was among the 23 players sent off.
Referee Matheus Delgado Candancan issued all red cards retroactively after the final whistle, sending off 12 Cruzeiro players and 11 from Atlético. Everson and Christian received straight reds for the initial confrontation. The remaining 21 were dismissed for participating in the brawl, according to the referee’s official report.
The 23 dismissals surpassed the previous Brazilian record of 22 red cards, which was set in 1954 in a match between Portuguesa and Botafogo.
Hulk, despite his own involvement, was critical of the scenes. “It is regrettable, I have never seen such violence in any football match,” he told local media. “We can’t lead by example because it ends up having repercussions all over the world.”
Cruzeiro coach Tite focused on the club’s supporters after the final whistle. “Maybe I lack competence at times,” he said, “but respect for the fans, work, dignity, honesty, that’s what matters.”
Cruzeiro, currently 19th in Brazil’s Serie A, face Flamengo on Wednesday.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
09 March 2026 19:01 IST
