A dramatic and chaotic end overshadowed the Campeonato Mineiro final in Brazil as an extraordinary mass brawl resulted in 23 players being sent off, including former Brazil international Hulk.
The explosive incident occurred during the fierce derby between Cruzeiro and Atlético Mineiro, turning what should have been a historic championship moment into one of the most controversial scenes in Brazilian football history.
The confrontation erupted in the final seconds of stoppage time when Cruzeiro midfielder Christian launched a rough late challenge on Atlético Mineiro goalkeeper Everson.
Everson reacted furiously to the challenge, charging at Christian and rugby-tackling him to the ground before landing on top of him.
That moment ignited a chain reaction, as players from both sides sprinted in from across the pitch.
Within seconds, the pitch descended into complete chaos.
The confrontation rapidly escalated into a massive brawl involving players, substitutes, coaching staff, and security personnel.
Footage circulating widely on social media showed punches thrown from multiple directions as the heated derby spiralled out of control.
Among the most shocking moments was former Brazil star Hulk, who was seen throwing a punch at the back of an opponent’s head, before being knocked back by a kick to the chest during the wild melee.
The situation became so intense that military police had to intervene to restore order on the pitch.
When calm was finally restored, the referee issued an unprecedented number of red cards with 12 Cruzeiro players sent off while 11 Atlético Mineiro were also given a match order.
In total, 23 dismissals were recorded — an astonishing figure rarely seen in professional football.
Because the incident occurred in the final moments of added time, the match did not restart after the fight.
Despite the chaotic ending, Cruzeiro held on to their narrow advantage and secured a 1–0 victory, officially lifting the Campeonato Mineiro state championship title.
However, the triumph was quickly overshadowed by the extraordinary scenes that unfolded, with disciplinary investigations expected to follow.
The Brazilian football authorities are now likely to review the incident closely, and heavy suspensions could follow for several players involved in the violent clash.
For fans, the final will be remembered not just for Cruzeiro’s title victory, but for a moment of chaos that turned one of Brazil’s fiercest rivalries into a night of footballing madness.
The post 23 Players Sent Off as Chaos Erupts in Campeonato Mineiro Final first appeared on Africa Top Sports.
