The Mineiro Championship final, typically a showcase of Brazilian footballing flair, descended into a scene of primitive violence this weekend as the local derby between Cruzeiro and Atlético Mineiro transformed into a literal battlefield. What began as a high-stakes sporting contest concluded with the intervention of military police and a staggering 23 red cards issued in the aftermath.
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The Spark That Ignited the Powderkeg
The tension reached a breaking point in the 66th minute of the second half when Cruzeiro took the lead through former Juventus striker Kaio Jorge. As Atlético Mineiro pushed desperately for a late equaliser, the atmosphere turned toxic.
The match reached its nadir in the sixth minute of added time. Following a robust challenge by Cruzeiro winger Cristian, Atlético goalkeeper Everson completely lost his composure. In a display of aggression seldom seen on a professional pitch, Everson charged at Cristian, pinning him to the turf and reportedly using his knee to strike the opponent’s chest.
Ten Minutes of Anarchy
The goalkeeper’s assault acted as a clarion call for chaos. Substitutes and coaching staff from both dugouts breached the touchline, resulting in a ten-minute melee involving punches, slaps, and “flying kicks.” The match officials were powerless to intervene as the pitch became a sea of brawling athletes. The situation only de-escalated when Military Police entered the field of play to forcibly separate the two squads.
Referee Matheus Candançan, who required a police escort to reach the safety of the tunnel, did not brandish cards during the heat of the moment. However, his post-match report confirmed a historic level of disciplinary action.
Disciplinary Fallout: The Red Card Count
| Category | Atlético Mineiro | Cruzeiro | Total |
| Players (On-pitch) | 7 | 8 | 15 |
| Substitutes/Staff | 4 | 4 | 8 |
| Total Red Cards | 11 | 12 | 23 |
Hulk’s Admission and Critique
Among the most prominent names dismissed was Atlético captain and veteran striker Hulk. The 39-year-old former Porto and Zenit star, known for his immense physical strength, was seen at the heart of the scuffle. While Hulk expressed regret after the match, he was scathing in his assessment of the officiating.
“I told the referee from the start that he had lost control of the game,” Hulk remarked. “He lacked the personality to manage a final of this magnitude. Had he sent off one or two players earlier for minor infractions, it would never have escalated to this. When I saw my teammate being attacked, my blood boiled. I am sorry, but the referee shares the blame.”
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is expected to launch a formal inquiry, with lengthy bans likely for the protagonists of the “Battle of Mineiro.”