Madness in Minas: Record 53 Red Cards Disrupt Under-20s Clash
An under-20s football match in Brazil spiraled into utter chaos, resulting in a staggering 53 red cards being shown by the referee. This unprecedented event unfolded during the state championship semi-final between Uberlandia and Mamore in Minas Gerais.
The trouble erupted just minutes into the second half when several Uberlandia officials stormed the pitch following the dismissal of one of their players. Referee Fernando Patrick Drosghic Modesto detailed in his report that the match was halted for 40 minutes before play resumed, with Mamore scoring in the ninth minute of stoppage time to take a commanding 3-1 lead.
Reports indicate that tensions flared when Mamore's Davi celebrated his goal by taunting the Uberlandia players, igniting a brawl that resulted in an avalanche of red cards. Ultimately, 43 players were sent off alongside two board members and eight coaching staff from both teams.
In his report, Modesto noted, "In the 54th minute of the second half, a generalised brawl broke out, making it impossible to show the red cards and to carry out the match-closing protocol. Therefore, owing to all the turmoil and the lack of security, I declared the match ended." He also revealed that he had filed a police report due to threats made against him, and reported vandalism of the dressing room by Mamore's team post-match.
This incident has shattered the previous Guinness World Record for red cards, which was held at 36 from a fifth-division clash in Argentina back in February 2011.
In a surprising turn of events, Uberlandia announced they would forfeit the second leg of the semi-final as a “gesture of fair play,” given that Mamore couldn't field enough eligible players. This decision effectively sends Mamore into the final.
Uberlandia emphasized their commitment to fair play, stating, "The club has also not remained silent: the appropriate disciplinary measures regarding those involved have already been taken internally, because athletic development is, above all, a matter of personal development."
