Big fight in the final of the Brazil Cup causes 23 red cards and police intervention

Twenty-three players received a red card after a lengthy brawl that required the intervention of military police marred the final seconds of a Brazilian soccer match between Cruzeiro and Atlético Mineiro.

Former Brazilian striker Hulk was among the players sent off after the violence which lasted more than a minute and spread from one end of the pitch to the other as substitutes, members of the coaching and security staff also intervened.

“We need to acknowledge our mistakes and learn from them,” Hulk wrote on Instagram on Monday. “What happened yesterday does not represent the values ​​that football should embody. Rivalry is part of sport, but respect must always prevail over any emotion.”

It was caused by a challenge from the Cruzeiro Christian midfielder to the Atlético goalkeeper Everson, who responded by knocking his opponent to the ground and sinking both knees into his head, the video shows.

That led to a massive fight in which players from both teams piled up, punching and kicking each other. In images shared on social media, Hulk, who plays for Atlético, is seen hitting an opponent in the back of the head and then receiving a kick in the chest.

“I apologize to everyone who was in the stadium, to those who saw it on television and, especially, to the children who admire football. What we saw on the field is not the example we want to set,” Hulk added.

According to statistics provided by the teams, Cruzeiro had 12 players sent off and Atlético 11.

Atlético published a statement on social media saying that “its athletes do not tolerate any form of violence in football.”

“At the end of the match played this Sunday at the Mineirão Stadium, valid for the final of the Mineiro Championship, regrettable scenes of mutual aggression involving the athletes on the field were recorded,” the team said in its statement on Monday. “The Club reaffirms its commitment to respect, fair play and the values ​​that should guide sport. Internally we will take the necessary measures so that situations like this do not happen again.”

Cruzeiro ended up winning 1-0 in the Mineiro Championship final to become state champion in Minas Gerais.

Cruzeiro coach Tite thanked the fans for their support after the victory, Reuters reported.

“I want to convey to the Cruzeiro fans the love and respect I have for them,” he said. “Sometimes I may lack competition, but respect for the fans, work, dignity, honesty, that’s what counts.”