Khaberni - The final match of the Campeonato Mineiro tournament in Brazil last Sunday, between Cruzeiro and its rival Atlético Mineiro, witnessed the referee expelling 23 players after a mass brawl occurred.
The brawl began in the last moments of the match when Atlético’s goalkeeper Everson pushed player Cristian and threw him to the ground after being collided into by a Cruzeiro midfielder running towards a rebounded ball.
Cristian’s teammates immediately approached Everson which led to a larger skirmish as a number of players joined in while security personnel attempted to separate the two teams.
According to the Brazilian network "Globo", the 23 expulsions were decreed after the end of the match, noting that the brawl prevented the referee from showing the cards on the field.
The expulsions included 12 players from Cruzeiro, including the team’s top scorer Jorge, alongside 11 players from Atlético Mineiro, notably the former left-back for Atlético Madrid and Nottingham Forest, Renan Lodi, and Hulk.
Atlético striker Hulk apologized to local media about the incident: "It’s unfortunate; I have never seen violence like this in any soccer match. We cannot offer such a model because it will have repercussions around the world. We have a responsibility to maintain our image and that of the institution," he said.
Cruzeiro coach Tite thanked the fans for their support after the win with a goal to nil, and said: "I would like to express my affection and respect to Cruzeiro fans, I may lack competence at times, but respecting the fans and working with dignity and integrity, that is what matters."
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