Brazil: Cup final sees 23 players sent off!

Brazilian football witnessed an extraordinary and chaotic moment on Sunday when 23 players were sent off following a mass brawl at the end of Cruzeiro’s 1–0 victory over Atlético Mineiro in the Campeonato Mineiro final in Belo Horizonte. According to O Globo, it marked the highest number of red cards ever issued in a Brazilian match, surpassing a 1954 fixture that saw 22 dismissals. 

The confrontation erupted in the closing minutes after Atlético goalkeeper Everson shoved Christian, who had collided with him while chasing a loose ball. Teammates rushed in, triggering a full‑scale melee that security struggled to contain. 

Referee Matheus Delgado Candancan reviewed the incident post‑match and expelled 12 Cruzeiro players and 11 from Atlético, citing punches, kicks and violent conduct. 

Atlético forward Hulk condemned the scenes, stressing the responsibility players have to uphold the sport’s image. Cruzeiro coach Tite instead focused on thanking supporters after securing the title.