Chaos erupted during the final of the Campeonato Mineiro between Cruzeiro and their local rivals Atlético Mineiro, with 23 players from both teams sent off after a mass brawl.
The incident occurred on Sunday in Belo Horizonte during stoppage time of Cruzeiro’s 1–0 victory.
The confrontation began when Atlético goalkeeper Everson rugby-tackled Cruzeiro midfielder Christian after the midfielder collided with him while contesting a loose ball the goalkeeper had spilled.
Everson then knelt on Christian, catching his face and shouting at him while applying pressure to his back. The action provoked an angry reaction from Cruzeiro players, who confronted the goalkeeper and pushed him into the net, sparking a mass melee.
The fight, which began near the goalpost, quickly spread across the pitch as players kicked, punched and pushed one another. Security officials and team staff struggled to separate the players as the violence continued for more than a minute.
According to Brazilian media reports, the match was completed without immediate send-offs, but the referee later issued 23 red cards after reviewing the incident. Twelve players from Cruzeiro and eleven from Atlético Mineiro were dismissed.
Atlético forward Hulk condemned the violence, describing it as regrettable.
“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. We have a responsibility to safeguard our image and the image of the institution,” he said.
Cruzeiro coach Tite, meanwhile, thanked the club’s supporters after the victory.
“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.
Players shown red cards after the incident included Gagner, F. Bruno, J. Marcelo, L. Villalba, K. Pitrates, Christian, L. Romero, H. Henrique, Wallace, Gerson, C. Ramos, K. Jorge, Everson, G. Delfim, A. Preciado, Lyanco, R. Tressoldi, Jr Alonso, R. Lodi, A. Franco, M. Cassierra, Hulk and A. Minda. All the cards were issued at 90+6 minutes following the review of the incident.
