In Brief
- Referee Fernando Patrick Drosghic Modesto cited 43 players, eight coaching staff members, and two club officials in his match report, bringing the send-off total to 53.
- The 53 red cards easily surpassed the previous world record of 36 red cards set during a 2011 fifth-division match in Argentina.
- The brawl erupted in stoppage time after Mamoré player Davi taunted the opposition bench while celebrating his team's 3-1 goal, prompting Uberlândia's goalkeeping coach to charge onto the field.
- The referee called off the match after a 40-minute delay due to widespread security concerns and widespread field turmoil.
Pandemonium Breaks Out in Minas Gerais Youth Semi-Final
A Brazilian youth football match concluded in chaotic scenes when a total of 53 red cards were handed out following a mass physical altercation between players and team delegations. The incident took place during the first leg of the Minas Gerais Under-20 Second Division semi-final between Uberlândia and Mamoré.
Tensions had been building throughout the second half when Uberlândia officials invaded the pitch after one of their players received a red card for a second bookable offense, forcing a 40-minute delay.
Stoppage-Time Taunt Triggers All-Out Brawl
The match resumed, but complete chaos erupted in the ninth minute of stoppage time after Mamoré went up 3-1. Mamoré player Davi allegedly taunted the Uberlândia bench during the goal celebration.
In response, Uberlândia goalkeeping coach Paulo Sérgio Dias Dos Santos charged onto the pitch to confront Davi, sparking punches, kicks, and fighting that involved both benches, squad members, and administrative staff.
The referee was unable to physically display each red card on the field due to ongoing security concerns, later logging all 53 expulsions within his official match report.
Match Abandoned and Aftermath
Following the brawl, referee Drosghic Modesto formally abandoned the game, citing a complete lack of security and widespread turmoil. Police were summoned to the stadium after extensive damage was reported across team dressing rooms and facilities.
Surpassing the long-standing record of 36 red cards issued in a 2011 Argentine match between Atlético Claypole and Victoriano Arenas, the incident marks one of the highest dismissal counts recorded in organized football history.
Next Steps
Uberlândia subsequently announced it would forfeit the second leg of the semi-final, permitting Mamoré to advance to the tournament final as both clubs face internal disciplinary inquiries and potential sanctions from the local football federation.
