Brazilian football has been shaken by an unprecedented episode of violence, in which a U-20 championship match between Uberlandia and Mamoré ended with a total of 53 red cards.
The game, which counted toward the semifinal of the Minas Gerais state championship’s Second Division, was played at the “Parque do Sabiá” stadium and ended with a 3-1 win for Mamoré. However, the sporting result took a back seat due to the massive brawl at the end of the match.
The spark that ignited the conflict came after Mamoré’s third goal, when footballer Davi Bittencourt provoked the opposing bench during the celebration. The reaction of Uberlandia’s players was immediate, and the situation degenerated into violence, with punches and kicks exchanged between players and members of the staffs.
According to the referee’s report, a total of 43 players, eight technical staff members and two club officials were sent off. Of these, 24 belonged to Uberlandia and 29 to Mamoré.
Thus, Brazil has set a new record, surpassing the figure of 36 red cards issued in Argentine football in 2011.