More red cards than players on the field? That was necessary in Brazil - Brazilian final erupts into chaos with 23 red cards after violent brawl
A Brazilian state championship final descended into chaos on 9 March 2026 after a mass brawl led to 23 red cards. The match between Cruzeiro and Atlético Mineiro at the Mineirão Stadium was abandoned in stoppage time, with Cruzeiro ahead 1-0. Military police had to intervene to restore order on the pitch.
The violence erupted after an altercation between Cruzeiro forward Christian and Atlético goalkeeper Everson. Before the brawl, referee Matheus Delgado Candançan had not issued a single card during the entire game.
Players from both teams clashed, and the situation quickly spiralled out of control. Eleven Atlético Mineiro players were sent off, including captain Hulk, the former Brazil international. The 17-year-old defender Kauã Prates, who is set to join Borussia Dortmund, also received a red card.
Hulk later criticised the referee, claiming he had lost control of the match and was afraid to officiate the final. The Atlético captain admitted his own involvement but argued that players reacted instinctively when they saw a teammate under attack. It took military police around ten minutes to clear the pitch and calm the situation.
With no resolution in sight, officials called off the match. The score remained 1-0 in favour of Cruzeiro at the time of abandonment.
The Campeonato Mineiro final will now face further review by football authorities. The unprecedented number of red cards and the match's abandonment raise questions about discipline and officiating in Brazilian football. Both clubs are likely to face sanctions following the incident.
