A record 23 red cards were issued after a mass brawl broke out during Brazil’s Campeonato Mineiro final between Cruzeiro and Atlético Mineiro.
Shameful scenes late in stoppage time during the derby quickly went viral on social media after players and staff became involved in a violent melee.
Centre-back Lyanco, who made 49 appearances across two seasons for Saints, was an unused substitute, having just returned from Achilles surgery.
But footage shows him being savagely struck across the face from behind during the scuffle, while a teammate attempted to fly-kick the perpetrator.
O Christian carregando o especial no Lyanco, que loucura! pic.twitter.com/7XTrM4uPJP
— Carter (@essediafoilouco) March 9, 2026
Yesterday Brazilian Mineiro final btw Cruzeiro vs Athletico Mineiro which ended 1-0 for Cruzeiro.
Fight erupted btw the two sides towards the end of the game.
which resulted into referee issuing a record 23 red card 
.
Athletico Mineiro keeper with injuries all over his… pic.twitter.com/vUUUlWqdmW
— Damian Laa (@damian_iwuoha) March 9, 2026
The chaos began when Atlético Mineiro goalkeeper Everson challenged Cruzeiro midfielder Christian, with the pair clashing angrily in the aftermath.
Players from both teams then rushed in as the confrontation escalated into a wild brawl that began in the goalmouth before spreading across the pitch.
Punches were thrown and kicks aimed as coaching staff, match officials and police attempted to restore order. A record 23 red cards were handed out.
It is the most ever shown in a single fixture in Brazilian football, and the previous record of 22 dismissals had stood since 1954.
Twelve of the red cards were shown to Cruzeiro players and staff, with 11 going to Atlético Mineiro. Among those sent off was Atlético striker Hulk.
Hulk condemned the scenes after the match, saying: “It’s regrettable, I have never seen violence like that in any football game.
“We cannot set that example because it has repercussions all around the world. We have a responsibility to safeguard our image and the institution.”