Video: Violent Soccer Brawl Leads to 23 Players Expelled From Game
A wild ending overshadowed the final moments of a Brazilian soccer match between Cruzeiro and Atlético Mineiro, where a massive brawl led to 23 players being shown red cards and even required military police to step in.
The chaos unfolded in the closing seconds of the game and quickly spiraled into a full-field fight. Players from both sides got involved, along with substitutes, members of the coaching staff and stadium security. Former Brazil forward Givanildo Vieira de Sousa, mononymously known as Hulk, was among those ejected after the fight, which lasted more than a minute and spread across the pitch.
The Atlético Mineiro star later addressed the incident on social media.
"We need to acknowledge our mistakes and learn from them," Hulk wrote on Instagram Monday. "What happened yesterday does not represent the values that soccer should embody. Rivalry is part of the sport, but respect must always prevail over any emotion."
The altercation reportedly started after Cruzeiro midfielder Christian made a challenge on Atlético goalkeeper Everson. Video of the moment shows Everson responding by rugby-tackling Christian to the ground and driving both knees into his head.
That moment set everything off.
How the Fight Unfolded
Players from both teams rushed in, and the confrontation quickly turned into a full-on melee with punches and kicks being thrown. In clips circulating on social media, Hulk—who plays for Atlético—can be seen striking an opposing player on the back of the head before getting kicked in the chest during the chaos.
Hulk later issued an apology for his role in the ugly scene.
"I apologize to everyone who was in the stadium, to those who watched it on television, and especially to the children who look up to football. What we saw on the pitch is not the example we want to set," Hulk added.
Esto es Real. En Brasil se armo la bronca y terminó el partido con 23 Rojas ???????????? es la locura de las locuras. Hasta el Hulk estaba tirando trancazos. pic.twitter.com/qNTgGbPWH8
— Orlando Rodas Díaz (@orlandorodas13) March 10, 2026
By the time things were finally under control, the damage had been done. According to team statistics, 12 Cruzeiro players and 11 Atlético players were sent off, bringing the total number of red cards to 23.
The Club's Response
Atlético Mineiro also addressed the incident in a statement posted to social media.
"At the end of the match played this Sunday at Mineirão Stadium, valid for the final of the Campeonato Mineiro, regrettable scenes of mutual aggression involving athletes on the field were recorded," the team said in its statement Monday. "The Club reaffirms its commitment to respect, to fair play, and to the values that should guide the sport. Internally, we will take the necessary measures to ensure that situations like this do not repeat."
Despite the chaotic finish, Cruzeiro still walked away with the victory, defeating Atlético Mineiro 1–0 in the Campeonato Mineiro final to secure the Minas Gerais state championship.
After the win, Cruzeiro coach Tite took a moment to thank the club’s supporters for standing behind the team.
"I want to convey to the Cruzeiro fans the affection and respect I have for them," he said, according to Reuters. "I may lack competence at times, but respect for the fans, the work, the dignity, the honesty, that's what counts."