Video: Chaos as 23 players receive red cards in Campeonato Mineiro final

Abdullateef Fowewe

A historic Campeonato Mineiro final between bitter rivals Cruzeiro and Atlético Mineiro ended in unprecedented violence, with a staggering 23 players receiving retrospective red cards after a massive on-pitch melee.

Video link:
https://x.com/i/status/2031019044728352908

Cruzeiro clinched the state title with a 1-0 victory at Mineirão Stadium, but celebrations turned ugly deep into stoppage time.

The flashpoint came when Cruzeiro players surged toward Atlético Mineiro goalkeeper Everson, shoving him into the net and igniting a free-for-all brawl.

Punches flew, kicks landed, and even coaching staff joined the fray as players from both sides clashed.

Referee Matheus Delgado Candançan couldn’t issue cards amid the pandemonium, which halted play for an extended period.

Military police and security forces eventually restored order.

A post-match review resulted in 12 red cards for Cruzeiro players and 11 for Atlético Mineiro, shattering Brazilian football’s single-match record.