Record 23 red cards in explosive Brazilian final | OneFootball

The Campeonato Mineiro final between Cruzeiro and Atlético Mineiro descended into chaos on Sunday night, with a record 23 players sent off following a mass brawl in the closing moments.

Cruzeiro secured the title with a 1-0 victory in Belo Horizonte thanks to Kaio Jorge’s second-half goal, ending a six-year wait to be crowned champions of Minas Gerais.

But the celebrations were overshadowed by ugly scenes late on. Tensions flared after Atlético goalkeeper Éverson clashed with Cruzeiro midfielder Christian while attempting to gather a loose ball.

Everson pushed Christian to the ground and appeared to kneel on his chest, sparking an angry reaction from several Cruzeiro players. Within seconds, players from both teams were involved in a large confrontation, with substitutes and staff also entering the fray.

Security staff and military police were forced to intervene as the situation escalated.

Although no red cards were shown during the match, referee Matheus Delgado Candançan later confirmed 23 dismissals in his official report - the most ever recorded in Brazilian football.

Cruzeiro had 12 players sent off, including goalscorer Kaio Jorge, while Atlético Mineiro saw 11 dismissed, among them former Brazil international Hulk and defender Renan Lodi.

The previous record of 22 red cards had stood since 1954, when Portuguesa faced Botafogo.