Belo Horizonte, Brazil – A Campeonato Mineiro final descended into chaos on Sunday as a massive brawl between players and staff from Cruzeiro and Atlético Mineiro resulted in a staggering 23 red cards. The match, which Cruzeiro won 1-0 thanks to a goal from Kaio Jorge, ended prematurely after military police were called onto the pitch to restore order following ten minutes of widespread fighting.
The incident began in the sixth minute of stoppage time with a challenge between Atlético Mineiro goalkeeper Everson and Cruzeiro winger Christian. Everson reacted aggressively, tackling Christian to the ground and appearing to apply pressure to his chest and face, according to multiple reports. This sparked an immediate response from Cruzeiro players, who rushed to defend their teammate, quickly escalating into a full-scale melee involving both teams and members of their coaching staffs.
Referee Matheus Candançan ultimately requested a police escort to leave the field, unable to control the escalating violence. Whereas no immediate punishments were issued during the match, the official’s report confirmed the unprecedented number of dismissals. The sheer scale of the red cards underscores the intensity of the rivalry between these two Brazilian clubs.
Kaio Jorge’s goal in the second half had put Cruzeiro ahead, setting the stage for a tense finish. The victory marks Cruzeiro’s first Campeonato Mineiro title in seven years, ending a streak of six consecutive titles for Atlético Mineiro. The win also gives Cruzeiro 39 state championship titles, trailing Atlético’s 50.
The Spark That Ignited the Brawl
The initial confrontation between Everson and Christian quickly spiraled out of control. Reports indicate Everson took exception to a late tackle, responding with a forceful challenge and subsequent actions that drew the ire of Cruzeiro players. The ensuing chaos saw players from both sides exchanging blows, with benches emptying as the fight spread across the pitch. Video footage of the incident shows a chaotic scene of punches and kicks being thrown before the arrival of law enforcement.
Players Sent Off in the Mass Ejection
The following players received red cards during the incident:
- Cruzeiro: Cássio, Fagner, Fabrício Bruno, João Marcelo, Villalba, Kauã Prates, Christian, Lucas Romero, Matheus Henrique, Walace, Gerson, Kaio Jorge
- Atlético Mineiro: Everson, Gabriel Delfim, Preciado, Lyanco, Ruan Tressoldi, Junior Alonso, Renan Lodi, Alan Franco, Alan Minda, Cassierra, Hulk
Hulk Blames Referee for Escalation
Atlético Mineiro captain Hulk, a veteran striker formerly of Porto and Zenit St. Petersburg, was among those sent off. He publicly criticized the referee’s handling of the match, claiming a lack of control allowed tensions to escalate. “I told the referee from the beginning of the game that things were going to travel wrong,” Hulk said, according to CNN Brasil. “He lacked character…He was afraid to referee the final. But he has no personality.” Hulk also apologized for his involvement in the brawl, stating it was a reaction to seeing a teammate attacked, but acknowledged it could have been avoided.
Next Steps and Potential Consequences
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is expected to review the incident and determine further disciplinary action. The severity of the punishments, which could include suspensions and fines, remains to be seen. Both Cruzeiro and Atlético Mineiro are scheduled to return to action mid-week in Série A matches, with Cruzeiro visiting Flamengo on Wednesday and Atlético hosting Internacional on the same day. The fallout from this incident is likely to extend beyond the pitch, potentially impacting the clubs’ reputations and fan relations.
The Campeonato Mineiro final brawl serves as a stark reminder of the intense rivalries that exist within Brazilian football and the challenges of maintaining order in highly charged matches. The incident will undoubtedly prompt discussions about security measures and refereeing standards to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
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