The Campeonato Mineiro final in Brazil ended in chaos as a massive brawl between Cruzeiro and Atlético Mineiro saw 23 players sent off
Cruzeiro claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over their fierce rivals in Belo Horizonte, clinching the Minas Gerais state title for the first time since 2019. The decisive goal came from Kaio Jorge, giving the club the trophy under the management of former Brazil national team coach Tite.
However, celebrations were cut short as the match descended into violence in the closing moments. The incident started when Atlético goalkeeper Everson shoved Cruzeiro midfielder Christian during a collision while chasing a loose ball. Everson then pressed his knee onto Christian’s chest, prompting an immediate reaction from Cruzeiro players.
Players from both teams rushed in, leading to pushing, grappling, and chaos on the pitch. At one point, Everson was shoved into his own goalpost. Security personnel and military police intervened to restore order.
Referee Matheus Delgado Candancan did not issue red cards during the match as the melee prevented proper control, but Brazilian outlet Globo later reported that disciplinary measures were taken. A total of 23 players were retrospectively dismissed: 12 from Cruzeiro, including match-winner Kaio Jorge, and 11 from Atlético, including former Brazil striker Hulk and ex-Atlético Madrid and Nottingham Forest defender Renan Lodi.
Hulk condemned the brawl, saying, “It’s regrettable. 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.”
Despite the dramatic finale, both clubs continue to struggle in the national league, remaining winless after four matches in the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A this season.
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