Fight breaks crimson playing cards report as Hulk kicked for ‘coward’ punch and navy police swoop
Military police had to intervene as violence erupted during a cup final in Brazil as a record number of red cards were shown and football icon Hulk was in the thick of it
A huge brawl erupted during a Brazilian cup final(Image: X)
Violence erupted and 23 players were retrospectively sent off as Cruzeiro’s championship-clinching triumph over Atletico Mineiro descended into brawling mayhem in Brazil. Cruzeiro secured a 1-0 victory to claim the Campeonato Mineiro final amid violent scenes.
The fixture was halted for more than 10 minutes with just 30 seconds left in stoppage time. A clash between Atletico goalkeeper Ederson and Everson ignited the unseemly scenes. The keeper had been unhappy with a challenge and confronted his rival whilst placing his knees on top of him, which saw Cruzeiro’s players come charging in.
Cruzeiro’s Lucas Romero arrived with a flying kick to the goalkeeper, who had already been struck by Matheus Henrique. Christian threw a punch at Lyanco, but was subsequently kicked by Junior Alonso, as violence erupted.
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Punches and kicks continued to be traded across the pitch as former Porto star Hulk took centre stage. The striker was branded a “coward” by fans online after brutally punching Cruzeiro captain Lucas Silva in the back of the head.
The Brazil legend then suffered a flying kick from Lucas Villalba and responded with blows of his own before booting Lucas Romero and then trading punches with former Atletico Madrid and Nottingham Forest left-back Renan Lodi.
Security staff from both teams and military police were called on to attempt to break up the melee, with referee Matheus Candancan requesting police protection amid the chaos.
Once tempers finally subsided, the match was concluded without the referee showing a red card, but 23 players were confirmed as being sent off.
Cruzeiro saw Cassio, Fagner, Fabrício Bruno, John Marcelo, Villalba, Kauã Prates, Christian, Lucas Romero, Matheus Henrique, Wallace, Gerson and Kaio Jorge dismissed.
Atletico’s list of players consisted of Everson, Gabriel Delfim, Precious, Lyanco, Ruan Tressoldi, Junior Alonso, Renan Lodi, Alan Franco, Alan Minda, Cassierra and Hulk.
Candanca outlined it as impossible to brandish a red card during the match, 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.
