PHOTOS: Under-20 match sees record 51 Red Cards after mass brawl

A Brazilian under-20 football match has reportedly set a new world record for the highest number of red cards issued in a single game after a mass brawl between players and technical staff resulted in 51 dismissals.

The extraordinary incident occurred during the first leg of the Minas Gerais Under-20 Championship Second Division semi-final between Uberlandia and Mamore at the Parque do Sabia Stadium in Uberlandia on Sunday, November 1, 2026.

According to the referee’s report, 43 players and eight members of the two teams’ technical staffs were sent off following violent confrontations that erupted during the match.

Subsequent reports also counted two club officials, bringing the total number of people expelled to 53.

The previous record was 36 red cards, issued during a fifth-division Argentine league match between Club Atletico Claypole and Victoriano Arenas on February 27, 2011.

The Brazilian encounter had already witnessed three dismissals before tensions escalated during the second half.

The situation deteriorated after Mamore scored its third goal to establish a 3-1 lead, with player Davi reportedly making provocative gestures towards members of the Uberlandia bench while celebrating.

According to the referee’s report, Uberlandia’s goalkeeping coach, Paulo Sergio Dias dos Santos, entered the pitch and confronted Davi, triggering a widespread confrontation involving players and members of both technical teams.

The incident quickly developed into a mass brawl, with punches and kicks exchanged as the situation spiralled out of control.

Several people reportedly joined the confrontation, while objects and equipment around the technical areas were also damaged.

The referee, Fernando Patrick Drosghic Modesto, was forced to suspend the match for approximately 40 minutes as security personnel attempted to restore order.

However, after assessing the situation, he eventually abandoned the encounter.

The violence also caused significant damage to the stadium facilities.

Brazilian media outlet O Tempo reported that military police were called to the venue following reports of extensive destruction.

A police report cited damage to 14 doors, shower facilities, windows, chairs, tables and other stadium equipment.

The unprecedented number of dismissals surpassed the previous record associated with the 2011 Argentine encounter, although formal recognition of a new Guinness World Records mark would require separate verification.

In the aftermath, Uberlandia announced that it would withdraw from the return leg of the semi-final, effectively conceding the tie to Mamore.

The club explained that its decision was motivated by fair play, arguing that Mamore would have only seven eligible players available for the return fixture because of the suspensions resulting from the mass dismissals.

The Minas Gerais Football Federation subsequently approved Uberlandia’s withdrawal, allowing Mamore to advance to the final, while Uberlandia would instead prepare for the third-place playoff.

The incident has sparked widespread concern over discipline, player conduct and security in youth football, with the extraordinary scenes overshadowing the result of a match that Mamore won 3-1.