It rained red cards on Sunday after a chaotic scene in the Campeonato Mineiro final between Cruzeiro and Atletico Mineiro, resulting to 23 players being retrospectively sent off.
The match itself finished 1-0 to Cruzeiro, with striker Kaio Jorge scoring the decisive goal to secure the club’s first state championship since 2019.
Late flashpoint triggers mass confrontation
The decisive moment of controversy arrived in the closing seconds when Atletico goalkeeper Everson clashed with Cruzeiro midfielder Christian while both pursued a loose ball.
Everson pushed Christian to the ground and appeared to place a knee on the midfielder’s chest, prompting immediate retaliation from Cruzeiro players.
Teammates rushed to confront the goalkeeper and forced him back toward the goalpost, sparking a wider confrontation as players from both sides joined the melee.
Teammates rushed to confront the goalkeeper and forced him back toward the goalpost, sparking a wider confrontation as players from both sides joined the melee.
Security personnel and military police were eventually required to separate the teams.
Referee issues red cards after review
Referee Matheus Delgado Candancan did not show red cards during the match itself as the confrontation prevented normal disciplinary procedures from taking place.
However, Brazilian outlet Globo reported that officials later reviewed the incident and issued 23 red cards in total.
Cruzeiro received 12 dismissals, including goalscorer Jorge, while Atletico had 11 players sent off. Among those dismissed were former Brazil international Hulk and former Atletico Madrid and Nottingham Forest full-back Renan Lodi.
Hulk condemns incident
Speaking after the match, Hulk described the scenes as damaging to the sport’s reputation.
“It’s regrettable,” he said. “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.”
Difficult start to league season
Despite the state title, both sides have struggled in the early stages of the national campaign.
Cruzeiro and Atletico Mineiro are winless after four matches in the Brazilian Serie A season, sitting 17th and 19th respectively in the standings.