Minas Gerais, Brazil – March 10, 2026 – A Brazilian state championship match descended into chaos on Sunday, resulting in a record-breaking 23 red cards and a brawl that spilled onto the sidelines. The match between Cruzeiro and Atlético Mineiro ended with Cruzeiro claiming the championship title, but the victory was overshadowed by the unprecedented scenes of violence.
According to Brazilian media outlet O Globo, the incident marks the highest number of dismissals in a single Brazilian football match, surpassing a previous record of 22 red cards set in a 1954 match between Portuguesa and Botafogo.
The incident unfolded in the closing stages of the match, with Cruzeiro leading 1-0. Atlético Mineiro goalkeeper Éverson was reportedly knocked down by Cruzeiro midfielder Christian while contesting for the ball. Éverson then retaliated, executing a takedown maneuver on Christian.
This sparked an immediate reaction, with players from both sides converging on the scene. The ensuing melee quickly escalated, involving players from both starting lineups and substitutes, requiring intervention from security personnel to separate the combatants.
Referee Willyan Canavarro initially refrained from issuing any red cards during the chaotic scenes. However, following a review of the video footage, he ultimately brandished 23 red cards – 12 to Cruzeiro players and 11 to Atlético Mineiro players.
Canavarro’s match report, as cited by O Globo, detailed the initial provocation: “Player number 88 (Christian) struck opponent number 22 (Éverson) forcefully in the head with his shin, with excessive force and intensity, at a time when the ball was already in the goalkeeper’s possession.”
The report continued, explaining the subsequent escalation: “After being fouled, number 22 (Éverson) knocked his opponent to the ground, rushed towards him, and struck number 88’s face with his knee. I clarify that after this action, a brawl broke out, making it impossible to issue red cards on the field in such a chaotic situation.”
Hulk, the former Brazil international forward currently playing for Atlético Mineiro, expressed his dismay at the events. “It’s a shame, I’ve never seen such violence in a football match,” he said, according to reports.
The fallout from this incident is likely to be significant. Disciplinary action from the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is expected, potentially including lengthy suspensions for the players involved. The incident also raises serious questions about security and officiating in Brazilian football. For context, the Minas Gerais State Championship is a regional competition that serves as a qualifying tournament for the Copa do Brasil, the nation’s premier cup competition. The level of intensity in these derbies is often extremely high, but Sunday’s match clearly crossed the line.
The CBF is expected to announce the extent of the punishments later this week. The incident will undoubtedly fuel further debate about the state of Brazilian football and the need for stricter measures to control violence on and off the pitch. The next match for both Cruzeiro and Atlético Mineiro will be closely watched, not just for the football, but for any lingering tensions.
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