Referee shows record 53 red cards in Brazil under-20 match
A mass brawl during a state championship semifinal between Uberlandia and Mamore led to the record-breaking dismissal.
A referee handed out a record 53 red cards during an under-20 football match in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais on Sunday, according to Al Jazeera. The incident occurred during the first leg of a state championship semifinal between Uberlandia and Mamore.
The match was halted for 40 minutes after Uberlandia officials invaded the field following the dismissal of one of their players. After the restart, Mamore took a 3-1 lead in the ninth minute of stoppage time. Brazilian media reported that Mamore player Davi taunted Uberlandia players during celebrations, sparking a brawl.
Referee Fernando Patrick Drosghic Modesto reported that a generalised brawl broke out in the 54th minute of the second half. He stated that the turmoil and lack of security made it impossible to carry out the match-closing protocol, leading him to declare the match ended.
The 53 dismissals included 43 players, eight coaching staff members, and two Uberlandia board members. Modesto noted that a police report was filed regarding threats made against him and that Mamore's team vandalised the dressing room.
The previous Guinness World Record of 36 red cards was set in February 2011 during a match in Argentina between Atletico Claypole and Victoriano Arenas.
On Wednesday, Uberlandia announced it would forfeit the second leg of the semifinal as a "gesture of fair play" because Mamore lacked enough eligible players to field a team. Uberlandia stated that internal disciplinary measures have been taken regarding those involved.