Football witnessed an extraordinary scene in Brazil after a mass brawl during an under-20s match resulted in 53 dismissals, setting a new world record for the most red cards issued in a single game.The unprecedented incident took place during a local U20 semifinal in Minas Gerais on Sunday, when Mamoré were leading Uberlândia 3-1 in the second half. Celebrations following Mamoré’s third goal triggered a confrontation that soon escalated into a mass fight involving players and officials from both sides.According to the referee’s report, Fernando Patrick Drosghic Modesto sent off 40 players and eight members of the coaching and support staff in the aftermath of the brawl. Three players had already received red cards earlier in the contest. Two Uberlândia board members were also dismissed, taking the overall tally to 53.The figure surpasses the previous Guinness World Record of 36 red cards, set during an Argentinian fifth-division fixture between Atlético Claypole and Victoriano Arenas in February 2011.The referee’s report provided details of how the chaotic scenes unfolded. Mamoré player Davi allegedly taunted the opposition bench while celebrating his team’s third goal, prompting Uberlândia goalkeeping coach Paulo Sérgio Dias Dos Santos to enter the pitch and confront him.What followed was a widespread altercation involving players and members of the staff, leaving the referee with little choice but to take disciplinary action against those involved.The situation also reportedly took a threatening turn, with Drosghic Modesto alleging that several individuals directed death threats and other threats of violence towards him. A police report was subsequently filed in connection with the incident, according to the referee’s account.The match was stopped for 40 minutes before eventually being abandoned as the situation could not be brought under control.The trouble did not end with the on-field confrontation. Following the match, allegations emerged that Uberlândia officials had damaged equipment belonging to Mamoré. Members of the Mamoré team were also accused of vandalising the home dressing room.The incident has now set a remarkable new benchmark in football’s disciplinary history, with the 53 dismissals eclipsing the previous record by a considerable margin.
