Mar 9 • 09:14 UTC 🇶🇦 Qatar Al Jazeera

Video: Referee expels 23 players after brawl in Brazilian Cup final

A massive brawl led to the expulsion of 23 players during the final match of the Campeonato Mineiro in Brazil.

During the Campeonato Mineiro final match held between Cruzeiro and Atletico Mineiro in Brazil, a significant brawl occurred that resulted in the referee expelling 23 players. The incident began in the final moments of the game when Atletico goalkeeper Everson pushed Cruzeiro's Cristian, leading to a confrontation that escalated quickly as players from both teams joined in. Security personnel struggled to separate the players amid the chaos.

According to Brazilian media outlet Globo, the red cards for the expelled players were issued after the final whistle, as the ongoing fight made it impossible for the referee to manage the situation effectively during the match. Twelve players from Cruzeiro, including their top scorer Jorge, and eleven players from Atletico Mineiro, notably players Renan Lodi and Hulk, received expulsions, highlighting the intensity and tension of the game as it concluded.

Atletico forward Hulk expressed regret over the violent episode, stating that he had never witnessed such aggression in a football match before. This incident raises concerns about sportsmanship and player conduct in football, particularly during high-stakes matches like cup finals, and may prompt discussions among governing bodies about how to handle aggressive behavior on the field more effectively.

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