23 red cards after mass brawl mars Cruzeiro’s Mineiro final win in Brazil

A mass brawl led to red cards for 23 players from Cruzeiro and their fierce local rivals, Atlético Mineiro, after clashes at the Campeonato Mineiro final in Brazil.

The confrontation yesterday (9 March) in Belo Horizonte was sparked deep in stoppage time of Cruzeiro's 1-0 win when Atlético's goalkeeper Everson rugby-tackled Christian to the ground after the midfielder collided with him when contesting a ball the keeper had spilt.

Everson kneeled on Christian, catching Christian's face, then shouted at his prone opponent while applying pressure to Christian's back. That prompted an angry reaction from Cruzeiro players, who confronted Everson, pushing him into the net and triggering a melee.

A brawl that began next to the goal spilled well inside the other half, with players kicking, punching and pushing while security staff and others tried to separate them. The violence, which also involved substitutes and members of the coaching staff, lasted for more than a minute and O Globo reported that although the game was completed without sendings-off, the referee retrospectively issued 23 red cards, 12 to Cruzeiro players and 11 to Atlético players.

"It's regrettable, I have never seen violence like that in any football game," Atlético's former Brazil forward Hulk said. "We cannot set that example because it ends up having repercussions all around the world. We have a responsibility to safeguard our image and the image of the institution."

Cruzeiro's coach, Tite, a former Brazil manager, thanked the fans for their support after the win. "I want to convey to the Cruzeiro fans the affection and respect I have for them," he said. "I may lack competence at times, but respect for the fans, the work, the dignity, the honesty, that's what counts."