Referee hands out record 53 red cards after mass brawl erupts in Brazilian under-20s match

A record-breaking 53 red cards were issued during a chaotic under-20s soccer match in Minas Gerais, Brazil, on Sunday, according to an official report. The violent brawl erupted in the first half after Uberlandia players protested an initial red card against one of their teammates. The referee, Fernando Patrick Drosghic Modesto, stated that the match was halted for 40 minutes before being resumed, with Mamore scoring a goal in the ninth minute of added time to take a 3-1 lead.

However, the ensuing brawl involving 43 Uberlandia players, 8 coaches, and 2 club officials resulted in the majority of the red cards, brought the total to 53.

Modesto expressed frustration over the lack of security, writing that "all the turmoil and the lack of security" forced him to declare the match abandoned. The police filed a report regarding threats against the referee, and Mamore's team damaged the dressing room after the match. Uberlandia subsequently forfeited the second leg of the semifinal, allowing Mamore to advance to the final.

The club has vowed to take internal disciplinary action against the involved parties, emphasizing that athletic development is about personal growth.