There were chaotic scenes as Atletico Mineiro and Cruzeiro clashed in the Campeonato Mineiro final in Brazil on Sunday.
Cruzeiro claimed victory with a narrow 1-0 win, but it was an astonishing brawl between the two sets of players that stole the headlines.
Incredibly, 23 players received red cards in shocking scenes, as the two sides swapped punches. The flashpoint was a late challenge on Cruzeiro goalkeeper Cassio, by Atletico Mineiro winger Christian. As the two tussled, hoards of players from both squads waded in.
It took minutes before things calmed down, despite the intervention of security and police, before Cruzeiro were eventually handed the trophy. In his post-game report, the referee issued 23 reds – 11 for Cruzeiro and 12 for Atletico Mineiro.
Among those sent off for Atletico included ex-Premier League players Lyanco and Renan Lodi, alongside former Porto winger Hulk. Cruzeiro match-winner Kaio Jorge was also among those dismissed.
Unsurprisingly, the 23 red cards represent a new record in Brazilian football.
CENAS LAMENTÁVEIS! Porradaria generalizada na reta final de Cruzeiro x Atlético-MG na final do Campeonato Mineiro.#futebol #atléticomg #cruzeiro #ge pic.twitter.com/GksY7u4o7s
— ge (@geglobo) March 8, 2026
Cruzeiro players red carded
- Cássio
- Fagner
- Fabrício Bruno
- João Marcelo
- Villalba
- Kauã Prates
- Christian
- Lucas Romero
- Matheus Henrique
- Walace
- Gerson
- Kaio Jorge
Atlético-MG players red carded
- Everson
- Gabriel Delfim
- Preciado
- Lyanco
- Ruan Tressoldi
- Junior Alonso
- Renan Lodi
- Alan Franco
- Alan Minda
- Cassierra
- Hulk
