A Brazilian football match erupted into violent chaos as a record 23 red cards were issued in shameful scenes that have gone viral on social media.
Sunday’s tense Campeonato Mineiro final between Cruzeiro and fierce rivals Atletico Mineiro in Belo Horizonte saw a shocking brawl break out late in stoppage time in the second half.
It started with a challenge by Atletico Mineiro goalkeeper Everson on Cruzeiro midfielder Christian, after which the duo clashed angrily and players from both sides quickly piled into a wild melee that originated in the goalmouth.
The incident swiftly escalated into running battles that spread across the pitch in shocking fashion, and punches were thrown and kicks aimed as coaching staff, officials and police all desperately tried to intervene.
There was a delay to the game, which finished 1-0 to Cruzeiro following a goal by Kaio Jorge.
23 red cards were belatedly brandished after full-time for the brawl - the most ever in a single fixture in Brazilian football, eclipsing the previous record set in 1954 during a match between Portuguesa and Botafogo.
12 went to Cruzeiro, with 11 shown to Atletico Mineiro. Pictures of Everson also circulated on social media showing gruesome head swelling and blood dripping down his face and shirt after he was pushed into the goalpost during the initial fracas.
🚨🚨 | 𝐍𝐄𝐖: Total Chaos in Brazil as a full-blown WAR broke out between the players of Cruzeiro Esporte Clube and Clube Atlético Mineiro today. 😳pic.twitter.com/2otVOmzRih
— MatchdayHQ (@TheMatchdayHQ) March 9, 2026
"It's regrettable, I have never seen violence like that in any football game," said Atletico Mineiro striker Hulk.
“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."
