The Mineiro Championship final, typically a showcase of South American footballing flair, descended into an unprecedented scene of sporting anarchy yesterday. What was meant to be a crowning moment for Minas Gerais football transformed into a literal battlefield as fierce rivals Cruzeiro and Atlético Mineiro engaged in a mass brawl that resulted in a staggering 23 red cards being issued by the match official.
The Spark That Ignited the Powderkeg
The tension had been simmering throughout a cagey second half after Cruzeiro took the lead through former Juventus striker Kaio Jorge. As the clock ticked into the sixth minute of stoppage time, the atmosphere reached a breaking point. A robust challenge by Cruzeiro winger Cristian drew the ire of Atlético goalkeeper Everson, who lost his composure entirely.
Everson did not merely confront Cristian; he lunged at him, pinning the winger to the turf with his knee in a move more reminiscent of mixed martial arts than professional football. Within seconds, the technical areas emptied as substitutes and coaching staff from both sides charged onto the pitch, turning the penalty area into a riotous scrum of punches, slaps, and flying kicks.
Military Intervention on the Pitch
The scale of the violence was such that stadium security was quickly overwhelmed. For nearly ten minutes, players traded blows in a “free-for-all” that forced the deployment of Military Police onto the field of play. Officers in riot gear were required to form a human shield to separate the warring factions and escort the referee, Matheus Candançan, to the safety of the dressing rooms.
While no cards were brandished during the immediate heat of the melee, Candançan’s subsequent match report delivered a historic disciplinary hammer blow. A total of 23 individuals—11 from Atlético and 12 from Cruzeiro—were retroactively sent off for their roles in the violence.
Disciplinary Fallout: The Red Card Count
| Category | Atlético Mineiro | Cruzeiro | Total |
| On-field Players | 6 | 7 | 13 |
| Substitutes | 3 | 3 | 6 |
| Coaching Staff | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Grand Total | 11 | 12 | 23 |
Hulk’s Admission of Guilt
Among the most high-profile names on the exit list was the 39-year-old Atlético captain and former Porto powerhouse, Hulk. Known for his immense physical strength, the legendary striker was seen in the thick of the fray, appearing to use his muscular frame to deliver several heavy strikes.
Post-match, Hulk expressed remorse but laid the blame squarely at the feet of the officiating team. “I told the referee from the start that he had lost control of the match,” the veteran forward stated. “He lacked the personality to manage such a heated derby. If he had sent off one or two players early on, this wouldn’t have happened. When I saw my teammate being attacked, my blood boiled. I am sorry for the image we projected.”
