Cruzeiro Atlético Mineiro brawl sees 23 players sent off after a massive fight during the Campeonato Mineiro final in Belo Horizonte

A dramatic stoppage-time fight between Cruzeiro and Atlético Mineiro during the Campeonato Mineiro final ended in chaos as the referee later issued 23 red cards following a violent mass confrontation.

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The explosive incident occurred deep into stoppage time of Cruzeiro’s 1–0 victory when Atlético Mineiro goalkeeper Everson collided with Cruzeiro midfielder Christian while contesting a loose ball.

Reports indicated that Everson knelt on Christian during the altercation, striking his face and pressing down on his back while shouting, an action that provoked an immediate reaction from Cruzeiro players.

The confrontation rapidly escalated into a fierce brawl involving players from both sides.

Footballers were seen kicking, punching and pushing one another as the dispute spread across the pitch.

Substitutes and coaching staff from both teams also joined the fracas, which continued for more than a minute before officials and team personnel began restoring order.

Despite the intense clash, the referee did not issue any red cards during the match itself.

However, after reviewing the incident, officials retrospectively sanctioned a total of 23 players.

Twelve players from Cruzeiro and eleven from Atlético Mineiro were dismissed following the review.

Among those sent off were Everson, Christian, Hulk, Gerson, Wallace, Lyanco, Junior Alonso and Renan Lodi, among others.

Former Brazil international Hulk condemned the scenes, describing the violence as damaging to the sport’s reputation.

“It’s regrettable. I have never seen violence like that in any football game,” Hulk said. “We cannot set this example. It affects our reputation and the image of our institutions.”

Cruzeiro coach Tite, a former manager of the Brazil national football team, thanked supporters after the tense encounter ended in his side’s narrow victory.

“I may lack competence at times, but respect for the fans, the work, the dignity and honesty, that’s what counts,” Tite said after the match.

The unprecedented disciplinary action means both clubs could face further sanctions from regional football authorities as officials review the full extent of the incident.

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The Cruzeiro Atlético Mineiro brawl has already drawn widespread criticism across Brazilian football circles, with observers describing the clash as one of the most chaotic scenes in recent domestic competitions.