Belo Horizonte, Brazil – A Campeonato Mineiro final match between Cruzeiro and Atlético Mineiro erupted into a massive brawl on Sunday, resulting in a staggering 23 red cards and bringing a chaotic end to a heated rivalry contest. Cruzeiro secured the state championship title with a 1-0 victory, but the win was overshadowed by the violent scenes that unfolded in the closing moments of the game at the Mineirão stadium.
The incident was sparked during stoppage time when Atlético Mineiro goalkeeper Everson collided with Cruzeiro midfielder Christian. The initial contact, as play continued, quickly escalated into a physical altercation between the two players. Everson’s aggressive reaction ignited a full-scale melee involving players, coaches, and staff from both sides.
According to reports from Reuters and Goal.com, punches and kicks were thrown as the brawl spread across the field. Everson was reportedly pushed into the goalpost during the chaos, and even veteran striker Hulk, who returned to Atlético Mineiro in 2021, was involved in the scuffle.
23 Red Cards Issued After the Match
The on-field violence continued for several minutes before security personnel and police intervened to restore order. The match was briefly suspended, but play resumed after a ten-minute delay. However, the repercussions were significant. Whereas no players were initially shown red cards during the stoppage, the match officials subsequently issued a total of 23 red cards following a review of the incident. Eleven Atlético Mineiro players, including Hulk, were sent off, alongside twelve Cruzeiro players.
Everson sustained an injury during the brawl, suffering a head injury after colliding with the goalpost. He later posted a photo of his injury on social media, showing a significant contusion. The image quickly circulated online, highlighting the intensity of the confrontation.
“The Referee Lacked Personality”
Hulk, speaking to Globo Esporte after the match, criticized the referee’s handling of the game, suggesting that a firmer approach earlier in the contest could have prevented the escalation. “I warned the referee at the beginning of the match that things were going to turn bad,” Hulk said. “He lacked character. If he had to send off one, two, or even three players, he should have done it! He was afraid to referee the final. But he has no personality.”
Despite his criticism, Hulk also apologized for his involvement in the incident, stating, “I don’t remember participating in any act of violence during a football match. I will never tire of apologizing. We try to calm the game, but when you are angry and see a teammate being attacked, you react instinctively. But it could have been avoided.”
The match itself saw Cruzeiro secure their first Campeonato Mineiro title since 2019, thanks to a solitary goal from Kaio Jorge. The victory ended a seven-year wait for the trophy, but the celebrations were undoubtedly muted by the ugly scenes that followed the final whistle. Christian, the Cruzeiro midfielder who initiated the clash with Everson, has been a key player for the club since joining in 2025, currently sporting the number 88 jersey. He previously played for Athletico Paranaense.
The incident raises serious questions about discipline and sportsmanship in Brazilian football. League officials are expected to review the footage and impose further sanctions on the players and clubs involved. The fallout from this match is likely to be felt for some time, both on and off the pitch.
Cruzeiro will now turn their attention to their upcoming fixtures in the Brazilian Série A, while Atlético Mineiro will look to regroup and move forward from this damaging defeat and the associated controversy. The league will undoubtedly be looking for ways to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The next steps for both clubs involve disciplinary hearings and potential suspensions for the players involved. The league is expected to announce further details regarding these proceedings in the coming days. Fans can stay updated on official announcements through the league’s website and social media channels.
What are your thoughts on this shocking incident? Share your opinions in the comments below.
