Guinness World Record broken as 53 red cards shown in Brazil under-20 match

An under-20 football match in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais has descended into chaos as the referee hands out a record 53 red cards after an enormous brawl. The brawl took place during the first leg of a state championship semifinal match between Uberlandia and Mamore on Sunday.

In his report of the match, referee Fernando Patrick Drosghic Modesto said the trouble began early in the second half when a number of Uberlandia officials invaded the field of play after one of their players was sent off. The match was halted for 40 minutes and eventually restarted with Mamore going on to score in the ninth minute of stoppage time to take a 3-1 lead.

According to reports in Brazilian media, Mamore player Davi taunted Uberlandia players during the goal celebrations, which sparked the brawl that led to the deluge of red cards. A total of 43 players and eight members of the coaching staff were sent off while two Uberlandia board members were also dismissed.