Rafael Nogueira
The final of the Campeonato Mineiro, featuring Cruzeiro and Atlético Mineiro, devolved into a massive brawl between players from both sides. The highly anticipated city derby on Sunday night spiraled out of control. Chaos also erupted in the stands, while referee Matheus Delgado Candançan remarkably issued no cards on the pitch. However, his official match report confirmed an astonishing 23 dismissals.
Match Ends in Mass Brawl: 23 Red Cards Issued
The match in Belo Horizonte was all but decided. Kaio Jorge had put Cruzeiro ahead with a header in the 60th minute. With only ten seconds left in the six minutes of injury time, striker Christian, after a shot attempt, collided with Atlético’s goalkeeper, Everson. The goalkeeper reacted furiously, pushing his opponent to the ground with his knees. Within seconds, a scuffle broke out, quickly escalating.
Moments later, nearly every player was involved. Punches flew, faces were struck, and flying kicks were exchanged. Security personnel from both teams and the military police took a full ten minutes to quell the melee. Subsequently, the referee abandoned the game, strangely without showing a single card during the on-field chaos.
Post-Match Report Reveals Extensive Sanctions
Only after the match were a staggering 23 red cards recorded in the official report. The referee stated he couldn’t display them on the pitch due to the rapid escalation of the disturbances. Among the players affected were the two instigators, Christian and Everson, as well as Atlético captain Hulk, future BVB signing Kauã Prates, goal-scorer Kaio Jorge, Seleção national team players Gerson and Fabrício Bruno, former Bundesliga players Walace and Fagner, and ex-Colchonero Renan Lodi. Long suspensions are almost certainly looming.
“I told the referee at the start of the game that there would be trouble. He had no personality. If he needs to send one, two, or three players off, then he should do it! He was afraid to officiate the final,” the veteran emphasized.
“I can’t remember ever being involved in violence in a game. I will not tire of apologizing. We try to calm things down, but when you are hot-blooded and see a teammate attacked, you automatically react. But it could have been avoided.”