High-level football witnessed one of its most regrettable episodes in the Campeonato Mineiro final between Cruzeiro and Atleico Mineiro. A nearly three-minute frenzy of punches, kicks, and aggression erupted into an at times uncontrollable mass brawl, ultimately leading to 23 players receiving red cards.

The 'Classico' exploded in the penultimate minute of stoppage time. Matheus Pereira struck a shot, and Everson dived to gather it at the second attempt. Christian, chasing the rebound, collided with the Mineiro goalkeeper. Everson clearly took exception to the contact, confronting Christian, whispering something into his ear, placing his knee on the grounded forward's head, and continuing to aggressively berate him.

Suddenly, several Cruzeiro players rushed to defend their teammate, pushing goalkeeper Everson into the net. He even struck a post, leaving him with a noticeable bump on his forehead. Instantly, a swarm of players from both teams became embroiled in a farcical melee inside the goalmouth.

Everson, tras la batalla campal en el Cruzeiro-Atletico Mineiro

When members of both benches arrived to try and restore order, the situation only escalated, with kicks and punches exchanged. Several individuals even adopted boxing or martial arts stances, ready to continue the aggression.

Security personnel attempted to intervene, but the commotion spilled out of the box, spreading to other parts of the pitch. The footage clearly shows players being kicked while on the ground, alongside further exchanges of blows.

The tension appeared uncontrollable at times, persisting for over two minutes. Ten minutes later, referee Matheus Candançan finally blew the whistle, ending the match and confirming Cruzeiro's victory and title.

Although he made no immediate decisions on the pitch, the referee's report later listed a total of 23 red cards for players involved in the brawl, who now face severe sporting and financial penalties.

For the home side, Cassio, Fagner, Fabricio Bruno, Joao Marcelo, Lucas Villalba, Kaua Prates, Christian, Lucas Romero, Matheus Henrique, Walace, Gerson, and Kaio Jorge all received red cards. For Cruzeiro, the players sent off were Everson, Gabriel Delfim, Angelo Preciado, Lyanco, Ruan Tressoldi, Junior Alonso, Renan Lodi, Alan Franco, Alan Minda, Mateo Cassierra, and Milton Casco.

L. Villalba

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