An under-20s match in Brazil have seen a new world record created after 51 players and staff were sent off during the game on Sunday.
During the second half of a local U20s semifinal in Minas Gerais, a mass brawl broke out after Mamoré went 3-1 up against Uberlândia
In the following minutes, 40 players and eight staff were sent off by referee Fernando Patrick Drosghic Modesto, according to his report. Three players had already been shown red cards earlier in the match.
Two Uberlândia board members were also dismissed, taking the total to 53.
The existing Guinness World Record for the most red cards in a match was 36, during an Argentinian fifth division match between Atlético Claypole and Victoriano Arenas in February 2011.
According to the referee’s report, Sunday’s brawl broke out after Mamoré’s Davi taunted the opposition bench during celebrations following the third goal, and Uberlândia goalkeeping coach Paulo Sérgio Dias Dos Santos ran onto the pitch to confront him.
Drosghic Modesto alleges death threats and other threats of violence were made against him by various individuals. A police report was later filed in relation to the threats, the referee’s report said.
The match was halted for 40 minutes, and later abandoned.
After the game, it was also alleged that Uberlândia officials damaged equipment belonging to Mamoré, and that the members of the Mamoré team vandalised the home dressing room.
