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Cruzeiro and Atlético Mineiro met in the 2026 Campeonato Mineiro final at Mineirão Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, on the 9th (Korean time).
The match spilled over into violence during stoppage time. After Caio Jorge’s opener put Cruzeiro ahead 1-0, Atlético Mineiro goalkeeper Everson blocked a shot and, while trying to secure the loose ball in the first minute of stoppage time, collided with Cruzeiro winger Cristian.
Everson then knocked Cristian to the ground, pressed his knee into his chest and shouted into his ear.
Cruzeiro players rushed at Everson, and Atlético Mineiro personnel — including members of the bench — ran onto the field, touching off a full-scale brawl.
Broadcast cameras even captured former Brazil international forward Hulk (Atlético Mineiro) appearing to throw a punch at an opponent.
The melee continued for about eight minutes before military police intervened and restored order.
Cruzeiro won the match, but 12 Cruzeiro players and 11 Atlético Mineiro players were sent off.
According to global sports outlet The Athletic, Hulk apologized, saying, \"I'm truly sorry to the children and teenagers who watched. It's regrettable that this will be shown on news outlets around the world.\"
He also criticized the referee, saying he had warned officials before kickoff that the match would end badly and accusing the referee of lacking courage. \"If dismissals were necessary, one or two players should have been sent off,\" he said, \"but the referee was too afraid to do it.\"
[Sports Today reporter Kang Tae-gu sports@stoo.com]
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