23 Players Sent Off in Historic Brazilian Football Brawl

In a historic incident during the Campeonato Mineiro final on an unspecified date, 23 players were sent off following a mass brawl between Cruzeiro and Atletico Mineiro. The match concluded with Cruzeiro defeating Atletico Mineiro 1-0, with Kaio Jorge scoring the winning goal.

The confrontation began when Atletico Mineiro goalkeeper Everson pushed Cruzeiro midfielder Christian to the ground. Teammates quickly reacted, escalating the situation into a brawl that required intervention from security personnel and military police.

Although referee Matheu Delgado Candancan did not issue any red cards during the match, Brazilian media later reported that 23 players were retrospectively sent off, including 12 from Cruzeiro, such as goalscorer Kaio Jorge, and 11 from Atletico Mineiro, including former Brazil international Hulk and full-back Renan Lodi. Hulk expressed regret over the incident, emphasizing that players should set a better example.

This match attracted worldwide attention despite the ongoing struggles of both teams at the start of the Brazilian Serie A season, where Atletico Mineiro and Cruzeiro currently sit 17th and 19th, respectively.