23 Players Sent Off After Mass Brawl Erupts in Brazilian Football Final, Retaliation with Head Strike and Side Kick
by Heo Midam
Published 10 Mar.2026 09:23(KST)
23 Players Sent Off, Including Former Brazil International Hulk
A massive brawl broke out during a Brazilian professional football match, resulting in the ejection of as many as 23 players.
According to the UK daily The Guardian on March 9 (local time), a collective melee erupted during stoppage time in the second half of the 2026 Campeonato Mineiro (Minas Gerais State Championship) final between Kruzeiro and Atletico Mineiro, held at Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Players from both teams became involved in a physical altercation.
The incident occurred during stoppage time in the second half, with Kruzeiro leading 1-0 after a goal by Caio Jorge in the 60th minute. Kruzeiro midfielder Matheus Pereira attempted a right-footed shot from just outside the penalty area, which was directed straight at the goalkeeper.
However, the goalkeeper failed to secure the ball on the first attempt and spilled it, prompting Kruzeiro’s Cristian to go for the second ball. In the process, the two players collided. Atletico Mineiro goalkeeper Everson quickly got up and shoved Cristian to the ground, then pressed his knee into Cristian’s chest in a rough manner. This immediately led Kruzeiro players to rush over, triggering a mass brawl.
Players from the benches also ran onto the field, turning the pitch into a chaotic fight within moments. During the scuffle, Hulk-a former Brazilian national team forward now playing for Atletico Mineiro-struck an opposing player on the back of the head. In response, Kruzeiro defender Lucas Villalba retaliated with a side kick, and the ugly brawl continued. The match was suspended for about eight minutes before ultimately ending with Kruzeiro’s victory.
The brawl was so intense that the referee was unable to show any red cards during the match itself. However, after the game ended, a total of 23 players-12 from Kruzeiro and 11 from Atletico Mineiro-were shown red cards. Hulk, who was among those sent off, said, "I regret it. These scenes should not have taken place," adding, "Such actions can have a major global impact, so both players and clubs must protect their image."
The record for the most red cards in a single match was set in February 2011 during a fifth-division match in Argentina between Atletico Claypole and Victoriano Arenas. At that time, all 36 participants were expelled after a mass brawl. The referee even described the match as a "brawl" in the official report.
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