Mass Brawl Erupts in Brazilian Derby, Resulting in 23 Red Cards

Cruzeiro defeated Atlético-MG 1-0 to win the 2026 Campeonato Mineiro, but the match descended into chaos with a massive brawl and a record-breaking 23 red cards issued in the final minutes.

The Match and the Initial Incident

Cruzeiro secured the Mineiro Championship title on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at Mineirão stadium, ending a seven-year drought. Kaio Jorge scored the winning goal in the second half. However, the victory was overshadowed by a violent altercation that broke out after a collision between Atlético-MG goalkeeper Éverson and Cruzeiro midfielder Christian.

A Record-Breaking Number of Dismissals

The incident quickly escalated as players, substitutes, and coaching staff from both teams became involved in a physical confrontation. A total of 23 red cards were shown, setting a new record for dismissals in a professional football match.

Hulk’s Involvement and Apology

Former Brazilian international Hulk was initially seen attempting to calm the situation, but he ultimately became involved in the fighting. Following the incident, Hulk issued an apology on Instagram, stating, “We need to acknowledge our mistakes and learn from them. What happened yesterday does not represent the values that football should represent. Rivalry is part of sport, but respect must always prevail over any emotion.”

Historical Context: Other Notable Mass Brawls

While the 2026 Mineiro Championship final saw an unprecedented number of red cards, it is not the only instance of mass dismissals in football history:

• The “Battle of Nuremberg” (2006): A FIFA World Cup round of 16 match between Portugal and the Netherlands saw four red cards and 16 yellow cards issued by referee Valentin Ivanov.
• Borussia Dortmund vs. Dynamo Dresden (1993): Five red cards were shown in a Bundesliga match.
• Paris Saint-Germain vs. Marseille (2020): Five red cards were issued during a Ligue 1 derby, along with 14 yellow cards.
• Barcelona vs. Espanyol (2003): Six red cards were shown in a La Liga match, the most in a single Spanish top-flight game.
• Racing Club vs. Boca Juniors (2022): Ten red cards were issued in the Argentine Professional League Champions Trophy match.
• Boca Juniors vs. Sporting Cristal (1971): A Copa Libertadores match saw a remarkable 19 players sent off.
• Recreativo Linense vs. Saladillo de Algeciras (2009): 19 red cards were issued in a Spanish regional league match, leading to the game’s abandonment.
• Sportivo Ameliano vs. General Caballero (1993): 20 red cards were shown in a Paraguayan league match.
• Atlético Claypole vs. Victoriano Arenas (2011): This match holds the Guinness World Record with 36 red cards, including players, coaches, doctors, and even fans.

Disciplinary Action Awaited

Both Cruzeiro and Atlético-MG now await disciplinary charges from football authorities in response to the widespread misconduct. The incident is likely to result in suspensions and fines for those involved.