Tensions during a hostile local derby in Brazil spilled over into their wildest extent on Sunday as 23 players were staggeringly sent off following a mass brawl between the two sets of teams and their staff.
The match was the Campeonato Mineiro, a Brazilian state championship in Belo Horizonte, final between Cruzeiro and Atletico Mineiro which the latter won 1-0. However, the result of the match was overshadowed by the unsavoury scenes on it as players and staff traded physical blows.
The confrontation was sparked in second-half stoppage time when Atletico goalkeeper Everson pushed Christian to the ground after the Cruzeiro midfielder collided with him while chasing a loose ball.
As Christian lay prone to the ground, Everson put his legs in the face of the stricken player before then having some choice words with his opponent.
However, the goalkeeper was quickly ambushed by angry Cruzeiro players with one player appearing to strike him from behind. This then sparked a mass melee that spread inside the goal, the six-yard box and off the pitch too.
Playing members, substitutes and staff from both teams were involved, while security tried to separate the teams too.
However, the tensions didn’t calm down with the punches and kicks then moving towards the centre of the pitch.
One of those players who was incensed was Hulk. The 39-year-old, who played the Champions League with Porto and Zenit Saint Petersburg, was caught on video throwing a punch to the back of Cruzeiro captain Lucas Romero – who was caught blindsided. Romero immediately fell to the ground.
The 23 players sent off eclipses the record of 22 red cards in a meeting between Brazilian sides Portuguesa and Botafogo back in 1954.
Suspensions are yet to be dished out by the Brazilian Football Confederation but it is fair to ascertain that heavy punishments will be dished out to both clubs following the ugly scenes on Sunday.
‘It’s regrettable, I have never seen violence like that in any football game,’ a remorseful Hulk reflected to Brazilian local media post-match.
‘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.’
Cruzeiro coach Tite thanked the fans for their support after the win.
‘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.’
Cruzeiro, currently 19th in Brazil Serie A after four games, will face Flamengo on Wednesday. Atletico, who are 17th, host Internacional.
