Note from the Editor: This article was originally published on Nov. 7, 2022, and has been revised.
Cruzeiro secured a narrow victory against local rivals Atlético-MG with a single goal to claim the 2026 Campeonato Mineiro title over the weekend. However, the tension boiled over as the match spiraled into chaos during the final moments.
A staggering 23 red cards were handed out in the closing minutes after a confrontation arose between Atlético goalkeeper Éverson and Cruzeiro midfielder Christian following a clash.
The benches cleared as players, substitutes, and coaching staff engaged in an angry melee, resulting in pushing, shoving, and even punches being thrown. Among those involved was former Brazil international Hulk, who initially tried to de-escalate the situation but later got caught up in the chaos.
The 39-year-old player expressed remorse after the incident, sharing an apology on Instagram where he emphasized the need to learn from the mistakes made. He stated, “We must acknowledge our errors and grow from them. What transpired yesterday does not embody the values of soccer. While rivalry is inherent to the sport, respect should always take precedence over emotions.”
Both teams now anticipate the disciplinary actions that will follow the unprecedented flurry of 23 red cards, although the incident still does not surpass the record for the most dismissals in professional football.
Portugal vs. Netherlands, 2006 World Cup — 4 red cards
The notorious “Battle of Nuremberg” witnessed Russian referee Valentin Ivanov handing out four red cards and 16 yellows during the Round of 16, a record that still stands for the most cards issued in any single FIFA tournament match.
Both teams had two players dismissed from the final minute of the first half onward, with Portugal securing a gritty 1-0 victory to advance to the quarterfinals.
Borussia Dortmund vs. Dynamo Dresden, 1993 — 5 red cards
The Bundesliga holds the record for the most red cards shown in a single match, which occurred during a heated clash between Dortmund and Dresden. Matthias Sammer was sent off after receiving a second yellow just 29 minutes into the game. With only nine players remaining, Dortmund triumphed over an eight-man Dresden side with a score of 4-0 in a sparsely attended match.
Paris Saint-Germain vs. Marseille, 2020 — 5 red cards
The record for the most red cards in a single game within the French league was set during a fiery Le Classique derby in 2020, where five players from PSG and Marseille were sent off along with 14 yellows distributed by referee Jerome Brisard. All five red cards were issued in the dying moments of the game, after an altercation between Alvaro Gonzalez and Neymar escalated into a full-blown brawl.
Chesterfield vs. Plymouth Argyle / Bristol Rovers vs. Wigan Athletic, 1997 — 5 red cards
The English league record for dismissals is co-held by four teams, with two 1997 Division Two matches each resulting in five red cards. In February, Chesterfield and Plymouth faced off in “The Battle of Saltergate,” a match that ended in chaos with five send-offs after an incident left Argyle goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar motionless amidst a brawl.
Just ten months later, Bristol Rovers and Wigan matched the record at Springfield Park, where four players were sent off in the first half alone.
Barcelona vs. Espanyol, 2003 — 6 red cards
In the realm of LaLiga, Barcelona also holds the dubious distinction of the most red cards in a single match, with six being issued during a heated derby against Espanyol in 2003. The match, which ended 3-1 in favor of Barcelona, saw two players shown straight reds for violent conduct, along with four others expelled for receiving two yellows.
Racing Club vs. Boca Juniors, 2022 — 10 red cards
The 2022 Trofeo de Campeones de la Liga Profesional saw violence erupt when the match concluded with an extraordinary 10 red cards. As Racing midfielder Carlos Alcaraz scored a late winner, he celebrated in front of Boca fans, igniting a brawl at Estadio Unico. In the final moments, referee Facundo Tello issued seven red cards (including one for Alcaraz) on top of three already given during extra time.
Boca Juniors vs. Sporting Cristal, 1971 — 19 red cards
The 1971 Copa Libertadores match between Boca Juniors and Sporting Cristal holds the all-time record for red cards in a single game, with a staggering 19 players dismissed in a wildly contentious match.
Recreativo Linense vs. Saladillo de Algeciras, 2009 — 19 red cards
In a similar vein, the Spanish regional match in 2009 between Recreativo Linense and Saladillo saw 19 players sent off due to an enormous brawl that compelled the referee to abandon the match. The violence erupted after a Recreativo player was dismissed, prompting chaos between both teams, leading the official to send off nine players from each side after retreating for safety.
Sportivo Ameliano vs. General Caballero, 1993 — 20 red cards
The record of 20 red cards was set in Paraguay in 1993 when Sportivo and General Caballero clashed in a match that devolved into extended chaos following a controversial double sending-off. The referee ultimately abandoned the game after issuing red cards to every player and official involved.
Atletico Claypole vs. Victoriano Arenas, 2011 — 36 red cards
The Guinness World Record for the most red cards issued during a single match stands at 36, a feat achieved in a match between Club Atletico Claypole and Victoriano Arenas in Argentina. During the second half, the situation escalated into total anarchy, leading referee Damian Rubino to issue red cards to all players, coaches, medics, and even fans involved before ultimately abandoning the game.