Hulk apologises after mass brawl in Campeonato Mineiro final | OneFootball

Hulk issued an apology after the mass brawl that broke out between Cruzeiro and Atlético-MG in the final of the Campeonato Mineiro last Sunday. The number 7 was involved in the altercation and apologized through his social media.

“What happened in yesterday’s match does not represent the values that football should convey. Rivalry is part of the sport, but respect must always be above any emotion,” he wrote on Monday, after Galo’s 1-0 defeat.

“I apologize to everyone who was at the stadium, to those who watched on television, and especially to the children who look to football for inspiration. What we saw on the field is not the example we want to set,” he added.

Punches and kicks halted the match for about 10 minutes. The fight only ended after the Military Police entered the field.

“I take responsibility for my part in what happened and regret that moment. I am sure that many of the athletes involved are men of character, family men, and responsible people who would never enter the field intending to harm anyone,” Hulk concluded.

Official Statement from Atlético-MG

After the incident, Galo also commented on the case, condemning the situation. The club indicated that it will take measures to ensure that this type of situation does not happen again.

“Clube Atlético Mineiro and its athletes do not condone any form of violence in football,” it wrote.

“The Club reaffirms its commitment to respect, fair play, and the values that should guide the sport. Internally, we will take the necessary steps to ensure that situations like this are not repeated,” it lamented.

Recap of the Incident

At the end of the match, Everson and Christian collided in the Atlético area and Galo’s goalkeeper pushed the Cruzeiro player. Cruzeiro’s players went after the goalkeeper and started the brawl. Midfielder Lucas Romero even delivered a flying kick to Everson, prompting the Atlético players to react.

Cássio and Lyanco got into a dispute, which led the Cruzeiro goalkeeper to kick the defender, who later also fought with Gerson and Christian. Meanwhile, Hulk was at the forefront of the Atlético team. The number 7 punched Villalba and landed kicks on Romero. Goal scorer Kaio Jorge also exchanged punches and kicks with rivals.

The brawl stopped the match for ten minutes and was only ended after the Military Police entered the field. Referee Matheus Delgado Candançan decided to end the match, which closes a seven-year drought for Cruzeiro without winning the Mineiro title.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.