A youth soccer match in Minas Gerais, Brazil, ended in a mass brawl that resulted in 53 total

A youth soccer match in Minas Gerais, Brazil, ended in a mass brawl that resulted in 53 total expulsions, establishing a new world record for red cards in a single game. The incident occurred during the first leg of a semifinal match in the state’s Under-20 second division tournament between Uberlândia and Mamoré, according to reports from ESPN.

The Brawl at Parque do Sabiá

The conflict erupted in the 54th minute, shortly after Mamoré took a 3-1 lead. According to reports from the Spanish outlet MARCA, the tension began when Mamoré player Davi Fernandes Bittencourt made provocative gestures toward the Uberlândia bench during his goal celebration. Paulo Sérgio Dias Dos Santos, the Uberlândia goalkeeping coach, entered the field to confront the player, triggering a chaotic scene that drew in players, staff members, and eventually ball boys.

The referee, Fernando Patrick Drosghic Modesto, attempted to restore order before ultimately suspending the match, which had been delayed for approximately 40 minutes. In his official report, Drosghic Modesto noted that he received death threats and other verbal abuse from several individuals present, leading to a subsequent police report, as documented by ESPN.

Record-Breaking Disciplinary Action

The officiating team issued a total of 53 red cards. The breakdown included 43 players, eight members of the coaching staff, and two team officials. This figure surpasses the previous Guinness World Record of 36 red cards, which was set during an Argentine fifth-division match between Atlético Claypole and Victoriano Arenas in February 2011.

The disciplinary process was hindered by the intensity of the altercation. According to the referee’s report, he was unable to physically show red cards to every individual involved due to the scale of the chaos, forcing him to record several expulsions without the standard procedural display on the pitch.

Police Secure Stadium After Rioters Destroy Facilities

The violence extended beyond the field of play, resulting in significant damage to the Estadio Parque do Sabiá. The stadium administrator filed a report detailing the destruction of 14 doors, as well as damage to bathrooms, electrical wiring, benches, and hydrotherapy tubs. The Military Police of Minas Gerais were required to intervene to secure the stadium and prevent further escalation of the conflict.

The match was ultimately suspended, and a police report was filed in connection with the threats made against the referee.

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