In an unprecedented and chaotic conclusion to the Campeonato Mineiro final held on Sunday in Belo Horizonte, a staggering total of twenty-three players received red cards after a large-scale brawl broke out between Cruzeiro Esporte Clube and Clube Atletico Mineiro. The match, which ended with Cruzeiro securing a narrow 1-0 victory, will be remembered not only for the result but also for the extraordinary disciplinary action taken by the referee.
This incident has now set a new record in Brazilian football history for the highest number of players sent off in a single match, surpassing the previous record of twenty-two red cards issued during a 1954 encounter between Portuguesa and Botafogo. The scale of the confrontation shocked fans and officials alike, marking one of the most violent episodes in the sport’s domestic competitions.
The altercation ignited during the final moments of the game when Atletico Mineiro’s goalkeeper, Everson, forcefully pushed Cruzeiro midfielder Christian to the ground after a collision while both were vying for a loose ball. This aggressive act quickly escalated as Christian’s teammates rushed to his defense, sparking a widespread melee involving players from both sides. Security personnel struggled to regain control as tensions flared on the pitch.
Following the conclusion of the match, referee Matheus Delgado Candancan took the rare step of issuing retrospective red cards, ultimately dismissing twelve players from Cruzeiro and eleven from Atletico Mineiro. Both Everson and Christian received direct red cards for their initial confrontation, while others were penalized for violent conduct such as punching and kicking during the ensuing chaos. The referee’s official report detailed the severity of the incidents that unfolded.
Atletico forward Hulk expressed his dismay over the violent episode, describing it as unprecedented in his experience. He emphasized the responsibility players have to maintain professionalism and protect the sport’s reputation, especially given football’s global audience. “We cannot allow such behavior to define us because it damages the image of the clubs and the sport worldwide,” he stated, highlighting the broader implications of the incident.
Meanwhile, Cruzeiro’s coach Tite extended his gratitude to the club’s supporters despite the turmoil. He acknowledged the challenges faced but reaffirmed his commitment to the fans, emphasizing respect, dignity, and honesty as core values. “While I may sometimes fall short in certain areas, my respect for our supporters and the integrity of the club remains unwavering,” Tite remarked.
Looking ahead, Cruzeiro, currently positioned 19th in the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A standings, are preparing to face Clube de Regatas do Flamengo in an important fixture scheduled for Wednesday. The team will be hoping to move past the controversy and focus on improving their league performance as the season progresses.
