A stormy end to the Campeonato Mineiro final in Brazil saw 23 players sent off after a mass brawl erupted between Cruzeiro and Atlético Mineiro in Belo Horizonte.

The heated clash overshadowed Cruzeiro’s narrow 1-0 win over their fierce rivals, sealing the Minas Gerais state title for the first time since 2019.

The decisive moment came from Kaio Jorge, whose goal proved enough to hand Cruzeiro the trophy under manager Tite, the former Brazil national team boss.

But the final seconds descended into chaos.

The trouble began when Atletico goalkeeper Everson shoved Cruzeiro midfielder Christian to the turf after the pair collided while chasing a loose ball. Everson then placed his knee on the player’s chest, sparking an immediate reaction from Cruzeiro teammates.

Players from both sides rushed in. Pushing and grappling followed. At one point, Everson was shoved back into his own goalpost as the confrontation spiralled.

Security personnel and military police were forced to step in to separate the players.

Referee Matheus Delgado Candancan did not show any red cards during the match itself as the melee prevented order from being restored on the pitch. However, Brazilian outlet Globo later reported that disciplinary action was taken afterwards.

In total, 23 players were retrospectively dismissed.

Cruzeiro had 12 players sent off, including match-winner Jorge. Atletico saw 11 players dismissed, among them former Brazil striker Hulk and ex-Atletico Madrid and Nottingham Forest full-back Renan Lodi.

Speaking after the ugly scenes, Hulk admitted the incident cast a shadow over the final.

“It’s regrettable,” Hulk said after the incident.

“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.”

Despite the dramatic state final, both teams are struggling in the national league. Cruzeiro and Atlético Mineiro remain winless after four matches in Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A this season.

Atletico sit 17th in the table, while Cruzeiro languish in 19th place.