KUCHING: A mass brawl during the Campeonato Mineiro final resulted in 23 players being shown red cards following clashes between local rivals Cruzeiro and Atlético Mineiro in Brazil on Sunday (Monday afternoon for Malaysian time).
The incident occurred deep into stoppage time of Cruzeiro’s 1-0 victory Belo Horizonte when Atlético goalkeeper Everson rugby-tackled Cruzeiro midfielder Christian after the latter collided with him while contesting a loose ball.
Everson then knelt on Christian and appeared to catch the midfielder in the face before shouting at him while applying pressure to his back. The action sparked an angry response from Cruzeiro players, who rushed in to confront the goalkeeper and pushed him into the net, triggering a mass melee.
The brawl, which began near the goalmouth, spilled into the other half of the pitch as players exchanged kicks, punches and shoves while security personnel and team officials attempted to restore order.
The violence, which reportedly lasted for more than a minute and involved substitutes and members of the coaching staff, prompted the referee to issue 23 red cards retrospectively after the match — 12 to Cruzeiro players and 11 to Atlético Mineiro players, according to Brazilian outlet O Globo.
“It’s regrettable. I have never seen violence like that in any football match,” Atlético forward Hulk, a former Brazil international, said.
“We cannot set that example because it has repercussions around the world. We have a responsibility to safeguard our image and the image of the institution.”
Meanwhile, Cruzeiro head coach Tite, a former Brazil manager, thanked supporters following the victory.
“I want to convey to the Cruzeiro fans the affection and respect I have for them.
“I may lack competence at times, but respect for the fans, the work, the dignity and the honesty – that’s what counts,” he said.
