WATCH: Mass brawl breaks out between Cruzeiro and Atletico Mineiro with former Brazil star Hulk one of 23 players sent off
The game between Cruzeiro and Atletico Mineiro descended into chaos with punches thrown
Atletico Mineiro’s former Brazil forward Hulk has apologised for his part in a mass brawl that marred the end of the Campeonato Mineiro final against Cruzeiro and saw 23 players retrospectively sent-off.
The melee started in second half injury-time when Cruzeiro midfielder Christian bundled into Everson, prompting the Atletico goalkeeper to jump on top of him with both knees. Team-mates from both teams quickly emerged on the scene and punches were thrown with the officials standing no chance of keeping the warring factions apart.
After 10 minutes of chaos, referee Matheus Candancan blew the final whistle, confirming Cruzeiro as the champions thanks to Kaio Jorge’s goal.
Hulk, who is now 39, admitted the incident was not a good look for Brazilian football.
He told local media: “It’s regrettable, I have never seen violence like that in any football game.
”We cannot set that example because it ends up having repercussions all around the world.
“We have a responsibility to safeguard our image and the image of the institution.”
Referee sends off 23 players after the game
No red cards were shown at the time but the referee later confirmed 23 men had been sent-off.
Cruzeiro saw Cassio, Fagner, Fabrício Bruno, John Marcelo, Villalba, Kauã Prates, Christian, Lucas Romero, Matheus Henrique, Wallace, Gerson and Kaio Jorge dismissed.
Atletico’s roster of expelled players consisted of Everson, Gabriel Delfim, Precious, Lyanco, Ruan Tressoldi, Junior Alonso, Renan Lodi, Alan Franco, Alan Minda, Cassierra and Hulk.