Mass brawl sees 23 players sent off in Brazilian Cup final between Cruzeiro and Mineiro

[p]Brazilian newspaper [i][b]O Globo[/b][/i] reported ‌that it was the highest number of ‌red cards ever shown in a soccer match in ‌Brazil, surpassing a 1954 game between [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/portuguesa-rj/MVetMLIi/"]Portuguesa[/a] and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/botafogo-rj/jXzWoWa5/"]‌Botafogo[/a] in which 22 players were sent off.[/p][p]The confrontation began in the closing minutes when [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/atletico-mg/hGLC5Bah/"]Atletico[/a] goalkeeper Everson ‌pushed Christian to the ground after ⁠the [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/cruzeiro/0SwtclaU/"]Cruzeiro[/a] midfielder collided ‌with him while chasing a loose ball.[/p][p]Christian’s teammates immediately ​confronted Everson, triggering a wider melee as several players joined in while security staff ​tried to separate the teams.[/p][p]After the match ended, referee Matheus Delgado Candancan retrospectively sent off 23 players, ⁠12 from Cruzeiro ​and 11 from Atletico.[/p][embed guid="397571e8-b103-476e-a0a9-0cd76a39b89a" url="https://x.com/Footballtweet/status/2030908280655032600" social-type="twitter" /][p]Everson and Christian were given direct reds for their confrontation, and others were expelled for punching and kicking during the brawl, the ‌referee wrote in his official report.[/p][p][b]"It's regrettable, I have never seen violence like that in any football game," Atletico forward Hulk told local media.[/b][/p][p][b]"We cannot set that example because it ends up having repercussions all around the world.[/b][/p][p][b]"We have a responsibility to safeguard our image and the image of the institution."[/b][/p][p]Cruzeiro coach Tite thanked the fans for ‌their support after the win.[/p][p][b]"I want to convey ​to the Cruzeiro fans the affection and respect ‌I have for them," he said. "I may lack competence at times, but respect for the fans, the work, the dignity, the honesty, that's what counts."[/b][/p][p]Cruzeiro, 19th in Brazil's Serie A, ⁠face [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/flamengo-rj/WjxY29qB/"]Flamengo[/a] on Wednesday.[/p]