A historic victory for Cruzeiro turned into a chaotic scene of violence on Sunday as 23 players were sent off following a massive brawl during the Campeonato Mineiro final against rivals Atletico Mineiro.
Cruzeiro, led by former Brazil boss Tite, secured a 1-0 win and their first state title since 2019 thanks to a goal from Kaio Jorge. However, the match ended in a violent melee that required military police to intervene.
The confrontation ignited when Atletico goalkeeper Everson shoved Cruzeiro’s Christian to the ground and planted a knee on his chest.
Players from both sides immediately clashed, leading to a “generalized brawl” that forced officials to issue retrospective red cards after the game.
“It’s regrettable,” Hulk said after the match. “We have a responsibility to safeguard our image and the image of the institution.”
The record for most red cards in a single game remains 36, set during an Argentine fifth-division match in 2011.
This latest disciplinary disaster comes as both clubs struggle in the national league, sitting 17th and 19th in the Brazilian top flight.
