23 Red Cards in Brazil! Cruzeiro vs Atletico Mineiro turns into a Mass Fight as Footballers throw Kicks, Punches!

Add as a preferred source on Google

What should have been a night of celebration for Cruzeiro turned into one of the most infamous episodes in Brazilian football history.

Cruzeiro secured the Campeonato Mineiro title with a 1-0 victory over fierce rivals Atlético Mineiro in the final at the Mineirão Stadium on Sunday, but the match descended into unprecedented violence, resulting in a staggering 23 red cards - a new record for Brazilian football.

The game itself was tightly contested, with Cruzeiro edging ahead thanks to a goal that sealed their first state championship in seven years. Tensions, already high in this heated clássico, boiled over in the closing moments.

The Spark That Ignited Chaos

The spark came from a heavy collision involving Cruzeiro midfielder Christian and Atlético goalkeeper Everson, who pushed the opponent to the ground. What began as a scuffle quickly escalated into a mass brawl involving players from both sides, coaching staff, and even security personnel.

Punches, kicks, and chaotic scenes unfolded on the pitch as tempers flared uncontrollably. Former Brazil international Hulk, Atlético's star forward, was among those involved, with reports describing him landing blows during the melee. Military police and security intervened to restore order, forcing a lengthy delay before the referee could end the match.

Record-Breaking Red Cards Issued

Referee Matheus Delgado Candançan did not issue red cards on the field amid the tumult but documented them extensively in the official match report (súmula), released overnight. The document confirmed 23 expulsions: 12 from Cruzeiro (including Cássio, Fagner, Fabrício Bruno, João Marcelo, Villalba, Kauã Prates, Christian, Lucas Romero, Matheus Henrique, Walace, Gerson, and Kaio Jorge) and 11 from Atlético Mineiro (Everson, Gabriel Delfim, Preciado, Lyanco, Ruan Tressoldi, Junior Alonso, Renan Lodi, Alan Franco, Alan Minda, Cassierra, and Hulk).

Most were cited for "participating in a general brawl, striking opponents with punches and kicks" after the final whistle.

This surpasses the previous Brazilian record of 22 red cards, set in a 1954 Torneio Rio-São Paulo match between Portuguesa and Botafogo. The suspensions, which may carry over beyond the state competition, could significantly impact both teams' upcoming campaigns in national tournaments.

Fallout Overshadows the Triumph

While Cruzeiro lifted the trophy amid the chaos, the ugly scenes overshadowed the achievement and drew widespread condemnation for tarnishing the sport. Football authorities are expected to review the incident, with potential further sanctions looming as the fallout continues.