Former Zenit Stars Involved in Mass Brawl in Brazilian Championship Final
Belo Horizonte, Brazil – A Campeonato Mineiro final between Cruzeiro and Atlético Mineiro descended into chaos Sunday, culminating in a massive brawl that involved 23 red cards, including former Zenit St. Petersburg players Hulk and Gerson. The incident occurred after Cruzeiro secured a 1-0 victory on their home field, sparking a violent confrontation between players and staff from both clubs.
The flashpoint came in the match’s closing moments when Atlético Mineiro goalkeeper Éverson repeatedly fell onto the knees of Cruzeiro midfielder Christian after making a save. This action ignited tensions, quickly escalating into a full-scale melee. Hulk, now 39, reportedly struck Argentinian midfielder Lucas Romero of Cruzeiro during the altercation, contributing to the unprecedented number of dismissals.
“I don’t remember ever participating in acts of violence during a football match. I will not tire of apologizing,” Hulk stated to Globo, as reported by multiple sources. “We are trying to calm the situation, but when you are a hothead and see your teammate being beaten, you react automatically. But this could have been avoided.”
Hulk enjoyed a successful stint with Zenit from 2012 to 2016, winning the Russian Championship, Russian Cup and Russian Super Cup with the St. Petersburg club. Gerson, 28, recently transferred from Zenit to Cruzeiro in January 2026 after joining the Russian side in July 2025.
Escalation and Aftermath
The match itself saw Cruzeiro emerge victorious with a narrow 1-0 win. However, the result was overshadowed by the shocking scenes that unfolded after the final whistle. Reports indicate that the brawl involved players from both sides, as well as members of the coaching staff and even some security personnel. The sheer number of red cards – a record for a Brazilian match – underscores the intensity and widespread nature of the incident.
Beyond Hulk and Gerson, Atlético Mineiro’s Mateo Cassierra also participated in the fracas, according to Sport24. The referee’s post-match report detailed the 23 red cards issued, a testament to the complete breakdown of order on the pitch. While the teams were able to finish the match with equal numbers of players, the incident has undoubtedly cast a dark shadow over the Campeonato Mineiro final.
Hulk’s Reflection and Potential Consequences
Hulk’s statement to Globo reveals a degree of remorse, acknowledging his involvement while attempting to explain his reaction. His admission that the situation “could have been avoided” suggests an understanding of the gravity of the incident. However, it remains to be seen what disciplinary action will be taken by the Campeonato Mineiro authorities.
Given the severity of the brawl and Hulk’s direct involvement – specifically the reported strike on Lucas Romero – a significant suspension is likely. The incident also raises questions about the broader issue of player conduct and the need for stricter enforcement of rules to prevent such outbreaks of violence. The Brazilian football federation will likely review the events and consider additional measures to address the issue.
Gerson’s Recent Transition
The involvement of Gerson adds another layer to the story, particularly given his recent move back to Brazil. Having joined Zenit in July 2025, his time in Russia was relatively short-lived before he returned to Cruzeiro in January 2026. This incident marks a turbulent start to his second spell with the Brazilian club, and his participation in the brawl could also lead to disciplinary action.
For both Hulk and Gerson, the incident represents a significant blemish on their careers. While their past achievements with Zenit and other clubs are well-documented, their actions in the Campeonato Mineiro final will undoubtedly be remembered for all the wrong reasons. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential for violence to erupt in the heat of competition, even at the highest levels of the game.
The fallout from this incident is expected to continue in the coming days, with disciplinary hearings and potential sanctions looming for those involved. The Campeonato Mineiro authorities will be under pressure to take decisive action to send a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated. The focus will now shift to restoring order and ensuring that future matches are played in a safe and respectful environment.
Cruzeiro will now turn their attention to their next fixture, while Atlético Mineiro will need to regroup after this disappointing end to their campaign. The incident serves as a cautionary tale for both clubs and a reminder of the importance of maintaining discipline and composure, even in the most intense moments of competition.
Next up for Cruzeiro is a match against Tombense on March 16th. Fans and officials alike will be hoping for a more peaceful and sporting encounter.
