Online Reporter
Cruzeiro’s 1-0 win over Atlético-MG in Sunday’s Mineiro Championship final was overshadowed by a mass brawl that erupted seconds before the final whistle and resulted in 23 red cards issued.
The scuffle started with 30 seconds remaining in stoppage time, when Atlético-MG goalkeeper Éverson kept out a shot from Matheus Pereira and, on the rebound, was tackled by Cruzeiro midfielder Christian.
Éverson got up and went after the player, pinning Christian to the ground with his knee.
Players from both sides rushed over to intervene while security staff tried to separate the teams.
A clip has surfaced online of former Brazil international Hulk, 39, who has been with Atlético-MG since 2021 attempting to punch an opposing player.
The match at the Mineirão stadium was halted for eight minutes as referee Matheus Delgado waited for things to calm down before blowing the final whistle to crown Cruzeiro champions.
“Of course we didn’t want the match to end like that, given the spectacle it was, but I couldn’t leave my teammates in trouble and just stand there,” said Cruzeiro striker Kaio Jorge, whose second-half goal on Sunday gave his team its first state title since 2019. “I went to defend my teammates.”
Jorge was one of 12 Cruzeiro players that received a red card retrospectively while goalkeeper Éverson was among the 11 Atletico-MG players dismissed.
Both Cruzeiro, coached by former Brazil manager Tite, and Atlético-MG are winless after four Serie A games this season.
