Hulk delivers a punch as 23 players are dismissed following a large-scale altercation in Brazilian final

Cruzeiro’s 1-0 victory against Atlético-MG in the Mineiro Championship final on Sunday was marred by a large brawl that broke out just moments before the final whistle, leading to the issuance of 23 red cards.

The altercation began with 30 seconds left in stoppage time when Atlético-MG goalkeeper Éverson blocked a shot from Matheus Pereira, and on the rebound, he was tackled by Cruzeiro midfielder Christian.

Éverson then rose and pursued the player, bringing Christian down to the ground with his knee.

Players from both teams rushed in to intervene as security personnel attempted to separate the squads.

A video has emerged online showing former Brazil international Hulk, 39, who has been with Atlético-MG since 2021, trying to punch an opposing player.

The match at the Mineirão stadium was paused for eight minutes while referee Matheus Delgado waited for the situation to de-escalate before signaling the final whistle to declare Cruzeiro as champions.

“Naturally, we didn’t want the match to conclude in that manner, considering the spectacle it was, but I couldn’t abandon my teammates in a difficult situation,” stated Cruzeiro striker Kaio Jorge, whose goal in the second half secured his team’s first state title since 2019. “I went to support my teammates.”

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Jorge was among 12 Cruzeiro players who received a red card retrospectively, while goalkeeper Éverson was one of the 11 Atlético-MG players sent off.

Both Cruzeiro, managed by former Brazil coach Tite, and Atlético-MG remain winless after four Serie A matches this season.