Disgraceful fight erupts in final as Hulk takes flying kick before military police step in
Punches were thrown and 23 players were sent off retrospectively, as Cruzeiro's title-winning victory over Atletico Mineiro descended into brawling chaos in Brazil. Cruzeiro claimed a 1-0 win to win the Campeonato Mineiro final amid violent scenes.
The match was paused for more than 10 minutes with only 30 seconds remaining in stoppage time.
A collision between Atletico goalkeeper Ederson and Everson sparked the unsavoury scenes. The shotstopper had been unimpressed with a challenge and rebuked his opponent while placing his knees on top of him, which saw Cruzeiro's stars come flying in.
Cruzeiro's Lucas Romero came in with a flying kick to Everson, who had already been hit by Matheus Henrique. Christian punched Lyanco, but was in turn kicked by Junior Alonso, as violence broke out.
Punches and kicks continued to be exchanged across the pitch as former Porto star Hulk took a leading role. The forward was kicked by Lucas Villalba and retaliated with strikes of his own before kicking Lucas Romero and then exchanging blows with Renan Lodi.
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Security personnel from each team and military police were called in to try and break up the fight, with referee Matheus Candancan requesting police protection amidst the chaos. Once tempers eventually cooled, the match was ended without the referee brandishing a red card, but 23 players were confirmed as being expelled.
Cruzeiro saw Cassio, Fagner, Fabrício Bruno, John Marcelo, Villalba, Kauã Prates, Christian, Lucas Romero, Matheus Henrique, Wallace, Gerson and Kaio Jorge expelled.
Atletico's list of players comprised of Everson, Gabriel Delfim, Precious, Lyanco, Ruan Tressoldi, Junior Alonso, Renan Lodi, Alan Franco, Alan Minda, Cassierra and Hulk.
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Candanca described it as impossible to show a red card during the game, in his match report.
"After being fouled, he knocked down his opponent, charged at him, and brutally struck his opponent, number 88, in the face with his knee. I clarify that after this action, a general brawl broke out, making it impossible to issue a red card," he wrote.
"For striking his opponent, number 22, in the head with his shin, using excessive force and high intensity, when the ball was already in the goalkeeper's possession. I clarify that after this action a general brawl broke out, making it impossible to show a red card," he added.