ไทย
English
中國人
A minimum of 23 red cards were issued following a massive on-pitch altercation that brought Sunday's Campeonato Mineiro championship match between Cruzeiro and Atlético Mineiro to a sudden conclusion.
Ex-Juventus forward Kaio Jorge had netted in the middle of the second period to give Cruzeiro the lead, and Atlético's attempt to equalize continued until the sixth minute of added time, when an incident between Atlético keeper Everson and Cruzeiro winger Christian ignited complete mayhem.
With merely 30 seconds remaining, Everson clearly objected to what he perceived as a harsh challenge from the winger. The goalkeeper brought Christian down and placed both knees on his chest, even moving over his face, before standing up and aggressively hovering over the fallen winger.
Several Cruzeiro players intervened—physically—to protect their colleague which, as expected, prompted a reaction from Atlético. Shortly after, both dugouts had cleared as a massive confrontation broke out, with military police summoned to separate the two groups of players as punches and kicks were exchanged during the 10 minutes that ensued.
Referee Matheus Candançan required a police escort off the pitch, concluding the match without actually issuing any sanctions. Nevertheless, his incident report documented at least 23 red cards.
Every Player Sent Off After Shocking Brawl
Every Player Sent Off After Shocking Brawl
Cruzeiro: Cássio, Fagner, Fabrício Bruno, João Marcelo, Villalba, Kauã Prates, Christian, Lucas Romero, Matheus Henrique, Walace, Gerson, Kaio Jorge
Atlético Mineiro: Everson, Gabriel Delfim, Preciado, Lyanco, Ruan Tressoldi, Junior Alonso, Renan Lodi, Alan Franco, Alan Minda, Cassierra, Hulk
Hulk: Referee to Blame for Ugly Scenes
Hulk: Referee to Blame for Ugly Scenes
Among the 11 players dismissed for Atlético was team captain and veteran forward Hulk. The 39-year-old, previously of Porto and Zenit St. Petersburg in Europe, delivered several punches himself as he utilized his renowned physical strength.
Although the incident originated from the confrontation between Everson and Christian, Hulk believed tensions had only escalated to such levels due to inadequate officiating from the referee.
"I warned the referee from the start of the match that problems would arise," Hulk commented. "He lacked authority.
"If he needs to dismiss one, two, three players, he should dismiss them! He was scared to officiate the final. But he lacks personality.
"I cannot remember [before] taking part in any violent behavior during a football game. I will never stop apologizing. We attempt to defuse situations, but when emotions run high, you witness a teammate being assaulted, you instinctively respond. But it was preventable."