A historic Campeonato Mineiro final ended in shocking scenes as a mass brawl involving players, coaches, and security staff forced military police onto the pitch — and led to a record-breaking 23 red cards being issued after the final whistle.
Cruzeiro beat Atlético Mineiro 1-0 in Belo Horizonte on Sunday to claim their first Minas Gerais state championship since 2019. But the moment of glory was buried beneath one of the most violent incidents in Brazilian football history.
Kaio Jorge Fires Cruzeiro to the Title
Former Juventus striker Kaio Jorge scored the only goal of the game midway through the second half. It was a composed, decisive finish that gave Cruzeiro the lead — and ultimately the title.
Atlético Mineiro pushed for an equaliser but could not find a way through. The tension built with every passing minute, and by the time stoppage time arrived, tempers were already running dangerously high.
What Sparked the Brawl?
The chaos began in the sixth minute of stoppage time, with just 30 seconds left on the clock.
Atlético Mineiro goalkeeper Everson took clear exception to a challenge from Cruzeiro winger Christian. Rather than simply reacting in the heat of the moment, Everson tackled Christian to the ground, placed both knees on his chest, and leaned aggressively over him as he lay on the pitch.
That was the spark.
Cruzeiro players rushed in to defend their teammate. Atlético players responded in kind. Both benches emptied within seconds.
What followed was a full-scale brawl — punches thrown, flying kicks exchanged, and staff from both sides involved in a melee that lasted over 10 minutes and spread across the entire pitch.
Military Police Called Onto the Pitch
The disorder quickly overwhelmed the match officials and stadium security. Military police were called onto the field to physically separate the two groups and restore order.
Referee Matheus Delgado Candançan was unable to manage the situation alone. According to widely reported accounts, he requested a police escort just to safely leave the pitch. He issued no red cards during the incident itself — the level of violence made it impossible.
A Record 23 Red Cards — The Most in Brazilian Football History
After the match, referee Candançan submitted his official match report — known in Brazil as the súmula — detailing exactly what he witnessed.
The result: 23 red cards, the highest number ever issued following a single match in Brazilian football history. The previous record stood at 22, set back in 1954.
Roughly 11 to 12 players from each side were sent off. Among the most notable names was Hulk, the veteran Atlético Mineiro forward and former Brazil international. Footage circulating widely on social media showed Hulk punching an opponent and being kicked during the brawl. Renan Lodi was also among those dismissed.
The 23 dismissals represent a near-total wipeout of both squads.
Condemnation and What Comes Next
The scenes drew immediate and widespread condemnation from across the football world. Video footage spread rapidly on social media, showing the full scale of the violence in disturbing detail.
Brazilian football authorities are expected to launch a formal disciplinary investigation. Extended suspensions for multiple players — particularly those caught on camera throwing punches — are widely anticipated.
For Cruzeiro, the title joy has been severely tainted. For Atlético Mineiro, it is a humiliating end to a final they lost both on the scoreboard and in discipline.
Key Match Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Campeonato Mineiro Final |
| Result | Cruzeiro 1–0 Atlético Mineiro |
| Goalscorer | Kaio Jorge (Cruzeiro) |
| Venue | Belo Horizonte, Brazil |
| Red Cards Issued | 23 (post-match, via referee report) |
| Brazilian Record | Most red cards ever in a single Brazilian match |
| Previous Record | 22 (set in 1954) |
| Notable Dismissals | Hulk, Renan Lodi (Atlético Mineiro) |
| Referee | Matheus Delgado Candançan |
A Dark Day for Brazilian Football
Cruzeiro are Campeonato Mineiro champions. That fact will not change.
But the images from Sunday will follow both clubs for a long time. Brazilian football has seen fierce derby rivalries for generations — but 23 red cards, military police on the pitch, and a referee needing an armed escort is something else entirely.
The football authorities in Brazil now face a major test. Their response — and the length of the bans that follow — will send a message about what the game in this country is willing to accept.
Right now, the answer from the pitch was deeply troubling.