Brazil soccer brawl erupts in Cruzeiro vs. Atletico Mineiro

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A massive brawl between Brazilian soccer rivals Cruzeiro and Atletico Mineiro saw 23 players receive red cards during the Campeonato Mineiro final on Sunday.

The two clubs, which are based in Belo Horizonte, were competing in the final seconds of stoppage time when tempers flared after a collision involving Atletico goalkeeper Everson and on-rushing Cruziero midfielder Christian, who was seeking the rebound off a long shot.

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How did the fight start?

After the two players returned to their feet, Everson then tackled Christian and began standing over and taunting him before kneeling on the Cruziero player, appearing to hit him in the face.

That sparked the fury of Cruzeiro players on the field and from the bench, who confronted Everson.

The goalkeeper was pushed from behind during the fracas and appeared to hit the post after the shove.

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More players from both sides descended on the area with pushes, punches and kicks being thrown by sides as officials tried in vain to keep some semblance of order.

Things escalated and spread towards midfield, with several players trying to back away while their rivals gave chase.

Hulk, a former member of the Brazilian national team, was seen chasing down an opponent and landing a heavy blow to the back of their head.

An Atletico Mineiro staff member was seen asking players to stop fighting, then immediately kicked a player on the ground.

The violence may have lasted just over a minute, but plenty of damage was done.

How many players were sent off?

Cruzeiro, which is managed by former Brazilian men’s national team coach Tite, had 12 players receive red cards while 11 Atletico players also saw red.

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However, due to the minimal time remaining in the contest, O Globo reported that the match was promptly completed without anyone being ejected, then the flurry of red cards were issued after the final whistle.

“It’s regrettable, I have never seen violence like that in any football game,” Atletico forward Hulk said. “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.”

After the match, which Cruziero won 1-0 on a goal by Kaio Jorge, Tite thanked the fans for their support.

“I want to convey to the Cruzeiro fans the affection and respect I have for them,” he said. “I may lack competence at times, but respect for the fans, the work, the dignity, the honesty, that’s what counts.”

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