A mass brawl in the Campeonato Mineiro final has resulted in 23 red cards for players from Cruzeiro and Atlético Mineiro. The confrontation occurred deep in stoppage time of Cruzeiro's 1-0 victory in Belo Horizonte on Sunday.
The trouble began when Atlético goalkeeper Everson rugby-tackled Cruzeiro's Christian to the ground after the midfielder collided with him. Everson then knelt on Christian, shouted at him and applied pressure to his back, prompting an angry reaction from Cruzeiro players who pushed the goalkeeper into the net.
The violence quickly spread across the pitch, with players kicking, punching and pushing. Substitutes and coaching staff also became involved. Although the game concluded without any sendings-off, the referee retrospectively issued 23 red cards – 12 to Cruzeiro and 11 to Atlético.
Atletico's former Brazil forward Hulk expressed his dismay: 'It's regrettable, I have never seen violence like that in any football game. We cannot set that example because it ends up having repercussions all around the world.'
Cruzeiro coach Tite, a former Brazil manager, thanked fans for their support: 'I want to convey to the Cruzeiro fans the affection and respect I have for them. I may lack competence at times, but respect for the fans, the work, the dignity, the honesty, that's what counts.'
