A state cup final in Brazil descended into extraordinary chaos when 23 players were sent off after a mass brawl involving almost everyone on the pitch, plus substitutes and staff.
The incident erupted deep into stoppage time of the Campeonato Mineiro final in Belo Horizonte, where Cruzeiro were protecting a 1-0 lead over arch-rivals Atlético Mineiro. With tensions already high, Atlético goalkeeper Everson spilled a routine ball under pressure, then clashed with Cruzeiro midfielder Christian as both challenged for the loose ball.
Television footage shows Christian colliding with Everson, who then wrestled the Cruzeiro player to the ground in a rugby-style tackle. Everson appeared to kneel on Christian, catching him in the face, and continued shouting at his opponent while pinning him down. Cruzeiro players rushed in, shoving the goalkeeper into his own net and igniting a full-scale melee.
What began beside the goalmouth quickly spread across half the pitch. Players from both teams traded punches, kicks and shoves as substitutes and members of the coaching staff poured onto the field. Security personnel and match officials struggled to restore order while the crowd roared in disbelief.
Remarkably, the match itself finished without any immediate dismissals, but the referee later reviewed the footage and produced an unprecedented 23 red cards. According to Brazilian outlet O Globo, 12 Cruzeiro players and 11 Atlético players were expelled, including several who had been on the bench.
The list of those sanctioned included Cruzeiro’s Christian, Gagner, F. Bruno, J. Marcelo, L. Villalba, K. Pitrates, L. Romero, H. Henrique, Wallace, Gerson, C. Ramos and K. Jorge, along with Atlético’s Everson, G. Delfim, A. Preciado, Lyanco, R. Tressoldi, Júnior Alonso, R. Lodi, A. Franco, M. Cassierra, Hulk and A. Minda, all recorded as sent off in the 90+6 minute.
Atlético’s veteran forward Hulk condemned the scenes, calling them “regrettable” and warning that such images damage Brazilian football’s reputation worldwide. Cruzeiro coach Tite, the former Brazil national team manager, focused on the supporters, thanking them for their backing and insisting that respect and dignity must underpin his work, even amid controversy.
The disciplinary fallout is expected to be severe, with both clubs facing potential fines and lengthy suspensions for those involved in one of the most chaotic endings ever seen in Brazilian football.
