History was made at a cup final in Brazil on Sunday – for all the wrong reasons.
A huge fight broke out among players during the Mineiro Championship final between Cruzeiro and Atletico Miniero in Belo Horizonte.
The brawl resulted in 23 players receiving red cards retrospectively, the most in Brazilian football history.
It all kicked off at the end of the match, when Atletico goalkeeper Everson collided with Cruzeiro midfielder Christian.
The goalkeeper appeared to jump onto his opponent before shouting in his ear while he was down injured.
It sparked a furious reaction from the Cruzeiro players, with some running over to push Everson into the goalpost.
Players – including those who were on the bench – and staff members rushed over to the scene, with punches being thrown and opponents kicking each other.
Among those involved was Brazil icon Hulk – who appeared to be fly-kicked by a Cruzeiro star.
You can watch the crazy all-in brawl in the player at the top of the page.
The 39-year-old was also spotted punching a player on the back of the head.
Following the on-pitch chaos, the referee blew the full-time whistle.
Cruzeiro won the match 1-0 thanks to a 60th-minute strike from Kaio Jorge.
After the clash, 23 players were handed retrospective red cards – a total that eclipses the previous record of 22 set in a meeting between Portuguesa and Botafogo in 1954.
Hulk – who was one of the stars to receive a red card – later issued an apology for his involvement, saying: “It’s regrettable, I have never seen violence like that in any football game.
“We cannot set that example because it ends up having repercussions all around the world.
“We have a responsibility to safeguard our image and the image of the institution.”
– This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission.
