The final of the Campeonato Mineiro between Cruzeiro Esporte Clube and Clube Atlético Mineiro will be remembered in Brazilian football history, though not for its quality of play. The match, played at the Estádio Mineirão, ended with a massive on-field brawl that resulted in a historic record: 23 red cards.

The game appeared to be heading toward a tense but normal finish with Cruzeiro leading 1-0 thanks to a goal from Kaio Jorge in the 60th minute. However, just before the final whistle, a violent confrontation broke out involving nearly every player from both teams. The incident began with a clash between Cruzeiro midfielder Christian and Atlético Mineiro goalkeeper Everson while contesting the ball near the penalty area.

From that moment, the situation spiraled out of control. Punches, kicks, and shoving spread across almost the entire pitch as players from both teams became involved in a full-scale fight. The brawl began near one goal and eventually moved toward the other end of the field while coaching staffs and match officials struggled to restore order.

Referee Matheus Candaçan later made a historic decision: he issued 23 red cards. According to the official match report, 21 of those dismissals were for violent conduct during the mass fight, and the referee was unable to show the cards immediately due to the chaos on the field. The other two red cards were given to Christian and Everson, who were identified as the players who initiated the altercation with direct acts of aggression.

The incident surpassed the previous record in Brazilian football, set in 1954 during a match between Associação Portuguesa de Desportos and Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas. All players sent off will now have to serve their suspensions in the next edition of the tournament

Watch beIN SPORTS Xtra live and for free on YouTube