Referee issues record 53 red cards after under-20 semi-final brawl in Minas Gerais
On Wednesday, referee Fernando Patrick Drosghic Modesto issued a record 53 red cards in an under-20 first-leg state championship semi-final in Minas Gerais after a brawl between Uberlandia and Mamore. In his report he said the match was declared ended amid the chaos.
According to the referee’s report, trouble began early in the second half when a number of Uberlandia officials invaded the field after one of their players had been sent off. The match was halted for 40 minutes and later restarted, with Mamore scoring in the ninth minute of stoppage time to move 3-1 ahead. Brazilian media reported that Mamore player Davi taunted Uberlandia players during the goal celebrations, which sparked the wider confrontation.
A total of 43 players and eight members of the coaching staff were sent off, and two Uberlandia board members were also dismissed, bringing the tally to 53 red cards. The previous Guinness world record for the most red cards shown in a match was 36, set in February 2011 during a fifth-division match in Argentina between Atlético Claypole and Victoriano Arenas.
“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,” Drosghic Modesto wrote. “Therefore, owing to all the turmoil and the lack of security, I declared the match ended.” He added that a police report had been filed over threats made against him and that Mamore’s team had vandalised the dressing room after the match.
On Wednesday, Uberlandia said it would be forfeiting the second leg of the semi-final in a “gesture of fair play” because Mamore did not have enough eligible players to field a team. The club also issued a statement adding: “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.”
The forfeit means Mamore qualify for the final.
