RIO DE JANEIRO (BRAZIL) (ITALPRESS) – A record 23 players were sent off after a brawl erupted between players on the pitch in Brazil’s Minas Gerais state championship final match between Cruzeiro and Atlético Mineiro at the Mineirão stadium in Belo Horizonte, prompting police intervention.
The referee’s report confirmed a total of 23 red cards (12 for Cruzeiro and 11 for Atlético Mineiro, including Hulk), specifying that many were not sent off directly on the pitch. According to referee Matheus Candançan, the confusion began with an incident between Cruzeiro’s Christian and Atlético’s goalkeeper Everson.
The report, cited by Globo Esporte, states that Everson “acted brutally” after being struck by the opposing midfielder in the Atlético penalty area. The goalkeeper’s reaction—he pushed Christian and sat on him with his knees—triggered a brawl.
Cruzeiro players rushed to confront Everson, sparking a series of mutual attacks involving several players. Security and military police intervention was necessary to calm the situation. Penalties were applied only after the final whistle, based on the official report.
-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).
