Brazilian Under-20 Match Ends in Chaos with 53 Red Cards After Huge Brawl
A youth football match in Brazil's Minas Gerais state spiraled out of control, ending with an astonishing 53 red cards after a violent brawl. The incident occurred during the under-20 state championship semi-final first leg between Uberlandia and Mamore.
Chaos Erupts After Late Goal and Taunting
Tensions flared early in the second half when an Uberlandia player was sent off, prompting several of the team's officials to storm onto the pitch. This caused the game to be paused for 40 minutes. When play resumed, the situation worsened dramatically in stoppage time.
With Mamore leading 3-1 in the ninth minute of added time, Mamore’s Davi celebrated provocatively, inciting a massive fight involving players, coaching staff, and even club officials. The referee, Fernando Patrick Drosghic Modesto, struggled to regain control as the melee escalated.
Referee Forced to Call Off the Match
The fight resulted in 43 players, eight coaching staff members, and two board members from Uberlandia receiving red cards. Unable to continue or complete the standard disciplinary procedures, Modesto had no choice but to abandon the match.
"In the 54th minute of the second half, a generalized brawl broke out, making it impossible to show the red cards and to carry out the match-closing protocol," wrote Modesto in his official report, as shared by Reuters. He also noted that he filed a police report due to verbal threats aimed at him during the chaos.
New World Record Set for Most Red Cards
This unprecedented number of dismissals crushes the previous world record of 36 red cards, which was set in 2011 during an Argentine fifth-division match between Atletico Claypole and Victoriano Arenas.
The aftermath saw Mamore players vandalizing their dressing room, according to the referee’s report. Following these events, Uberlandia released a statement condemning the conduct, confirming that internal disciplinary actions have already been taken, emphasizing that sportsmanship is tied to personal growth.
Second Leg Forfeited, Mamore Advances
Due to the large number of players banned, Mamore did not have enough eligible players to compete in the second leg. Despite this, Uberlandia announced they would forfeit the return match as a gesture of fair play after the disgraceful incidents.
As a result, Mamore automatically moves on to the final of the youth state tournament. Both clubs are expected to face serious sanctions from regional football authorities.
Match Summary
- Teams: Uberlandia vs Mamore
- Competition: Minas Gerais Under-20 State Championship Semi-Final First Leg
- Date: Sunday (exact date not specified)
- Final score before abandonment: Mamore leading 3-1
- Total red cards issued: 53 (43 players, 8 coaching staff, 2 board members)
- Previous world record: 36 red cards in 2011 (Argentina)
- Match status: Abandoned and second leg forfeited by Uberlandia
