Shattering the Argentine record.. 53 dismissals in a single match in Brazil astound the world
A Brazilian youth football match descended into extraordinary chaos after a violent mass brawl resulted in 51 red cards for players and coaching staff, with the total number of dismissals reportedly rising to 53 when two club officials were included.
The shocking scenes unfolded on Sunday 1 November 2026 during the Minas Gerais U20 Second Division semi final between Uberlandia and Mamore at the Parque do Sabia Stadium.
Mamore secured a 3-1 victory but the result was completely overshadowed by a confrontation involving punches, kicks and objects thrown across the pitch.
The incident has attracted international attention after surpassing the previous Guinness World Records benchmark of 36 dismissals in a single football match.
What caused the massive brawl between Uberlandia and Mamore?
The violence erupted deep into second half stoppage time, immediately after Mamore scored their third goal to establish a 3-1 advantage.
According to Brazilian publication ge.globo, Mamore player Davi Fernandes Bittencourt made provocative gestures towards the Uberlandia bench during the goal celebration.
The player's behaviour triggered an angry reaction from the opposition, with Uberlandia goalkeeping coach Paulo Sergio Dias dos Santos entering the field and pushing him.
Within seconds, the confrontation escalated into a mass brawl involving players, substitutes and members of both coaching staffs.
Punches and kicks were exchanged as efforts to restore order proved unsuccessful.
Footage circulating on social media also showed chairs and stretchers being thrown during the chaotic scenes.
According to the referee's report, six ball boys became involved in the confrontation, allegedly throwing objects and physically confronting players and staff.
The disorder eventually forced referee Fernando Patrick Drosghic Modesto to bring the match to an end.
How did the referee issue 51 red cards?
The remarkable disciplinary total emerged from the referee's official match report.
Three players had already been dismissed before the mass confrontation.
Uberlandia's Luike received a second yellow card for striking an opponent with his arm while Mamore goalkeeper Joao Henrique was sent off after protesting against the referee.
Another Uberlandia player, Netinho, received a straight red card for punching the opposition goalkeeper in the abdomen.
Following the final brawl, the referee recorded another 48 dismissals for violent conduct.
The chaos prevented him from physically showing every red card on the pitch, so the additional expulsions were documented in his official report.
The initial total consisted of 43 players and eight coaching staff members, bringing the number to 51.
However, Brazilian broadcasters subsequently reported that two Uberlandia club officials, Willer Francisco Silva and Andre Luiz Nascimento, had also been dismissed following confrontations with the referee.
Their inclusion increased the overall reported total to 53 dismissals.
Referee threatened as police investigate stadium damage
The final brawl was not the only incident to disrupt the encounter.
Earlier in the second half, the match had reportedly been interrupted for approximately 40 minute after Uberlandia officials entered the pitch to protest against a dismissal.
According to the referee's report, several individuals directed insults and threats towards the match officials.
Fernando Patrick subsequently filed a police complaint concerning the alleged threats.
Military police were also called following reports of significant damage to stadium facilities.
Brazilian broadcaster Band reported that officers identified approximately 14 damaged doors, alongside broken furniture, sanitary facilities and two hot tubs.
No arrests were reported at the time.
Brazilian football incident surpasses previous Guinness benchmark
The scale of the dismissals has placed the match in contention for a remarkable world record.
According to the Guinness World Records website, the existing recognised benchmark stands at 36 expulsions.
That record was established on 27 February 2011 during an Argentine fifth division encounter between Atletico Claypole and Victoriano Arenas.
Referee Damián Rubino dismissed all 18 players from each side including substitutes, following another mass confrontation.
The Brazilian incident has now surpassed that benchmark by a considerable margin.
However, Guinness had not officially updated its online record to recognise the new total as of 4 November.
The latest incident also eclipses another extraordinary disciplinary episode that occurred in Brazil earlier this year.
As previously reported, the Campeonato Mineiro final between Cruzeiro and Atletico Mineiro in March produced 23 red cards after a violent confrontation.
Another remarkable incident occurred in France in April when 24 red cards were issued following a mass brawl during an amateur football encounter.
Neither incident, however, approached the astonishing number recorded in Uberlandia.
What happens next after the record breaking brawl?
The unprecedented disciplinary situation could create major complications for both clubs.
Uberlandia and Mamore are scheduled to meet again on Sunday 8 November, in the second leg of their Minas Gerais U20 Second Division semi final.
However, the large number of expulsions raises questions over player availability and the potential disciplinary consequences of the violence.
Brazilian media have reported that Mamore intend to challenge some of the sanctions and seek further action against Uberlandia.
Any additional penalties will depend on the decisions of the relevant football disciplinary authorities.
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