Cruzeiro Wins Mineiro Final in Brawl with 23 Red Cards

In Belo Horizonte, Brazil, on Sunday, a heated Campeonato Mineiro final between rivals Cruzeiro and Atletico Mineiro descended into chaos as a mass brawl involving players and staff from both teams led to a record 23 red cards being issued retrospectively, overshadowing Cruzeiro's 1-0 victory.

The confrontation erupted in second-half stoppage time at Estadio Governador Magalhaes Pinto. It began when Atletico Mineiro goalkeeper Everson collided with Cruzeiro midfielder Christian while pursuing a loose ball near the goal. As Christian lay on the ground, Everson placed his knee on the player's chest and exchanged words, prompting Cruzeiro teammates to intervene. The situation quickly escalated as players from both sides rushed in, shoving Everson into the goalpost and sparking punches and kicks that spread from the penalty area to the center of the pitch and even off the field. Substitutes, coaching staff, and security personnel struggled to restore order, resulting in a 10-minute delay. Referee Matheus Delgado Candancan was unable to issue cards during the melee, but 23 dismissals were announced afterward: 12 for Cruzeiro, including Christian, captain Lucas Romero, and goalscorer...