A Brazilian Under-20 football match has made global headlines after a mass brawl resulted in 51 red cards, reportedly setting a new Guinness World Record for the most dismissals in a single game. The extraordinary incident occurred during a semi-final between Uberlandia and Mamore in the Minas Gerais Under-20 Second Division championship on November 1, 2026.

What began as a competitive local derby turned into a lengthy confrontation involving players, substitutes and coaching staff. The match was eventually abandoned after the referee lost control of proceedings and security concerns forced officials to intervene.

Goal Celebration Triggers Mass Confrontation

The trouble reportedly began in the 54th minute, when Mamore extended their lead to 3-1. According to the referee's report, Mamore player Davi celebrated by taunting members of Uberlandia's substitutes' bench and coaching staff.

The reaction escalated when Uberlandia's goalkeeping coach, Paulo Sergio Dias dos Santos, entered the pitch and confronted the opposition player. Other players and officials quickly became involved, turning the incident into a mass brawl.

Reports described a chaotic scene, with members of both teams exchanging blows. The confrontation reportedly continued for around 40 minutes, with chairs and stretchers allegedly used during the violence. Even ball boys were said to have become involved. Military police were eventually called to the stadium to restore order.

Why Were 51 Red Cards Issued?

The referee's report recorded an extraordinary 51 dismissals following the incident. This included 43 players and eight members of the coaching staff.

Three players had already been sent off before the mass confrontation. The referee subsequently recorded further dismissals as he documented the involvement of those present during the fight.

Some reports have cited a total of 53 red cards, including two members of Uberlandia's board. However, the figure of 51 refers to the players and coaching staff recorded in the main dismissal tally. The match was abandoned as officials struggled to restore order.

GUINNESS WORLD RECORD HAS BEEN BROKEN IN BRAZIL IN A FOOTBALL GAME.

A Guinness World Record was broken for the number of red cards in a single game, the Minas Gerais Under-20 Championship clash between Uberlândia and Mamoré saw 51 sendings off, including 43 players and eight… pic.twitter.com/UuBZ4oqhiC

— Peter O.U (@Parisdreams_emp) November 4, 2026

Brazilian Match Surpasses Previous Red Card Record

The incident has drawn comparisons with a notorious Argentine football match in February 2011. Atletico Claypole and Victoriano Arenas previously held the record after 36 red cards were issued during a fifth-division encounter.

The Brazilian fixture surpassed that total by 15 dismissals, making it an unprecedented disciplinary incident in football.

What Happened to Uberlandia and Mamore?

The consequences extended beyond the abandoned semi-final. The referee reportedly received threats, while the aftermath also involved reports of damage to facilities.

Uberlandia subsequently announced that it would forfeit the second leg of the semi-final. The club cited sporting fairness, arguing that Mamore did not have enough eligible players available to field a team. As a result, Mamore progressed to the final.

The extraordinary encounter has once again highlighted how quickly football matches can spiral out of control when on-field tensions turn into collective violence. Rather than being remembered for the result, the Brazilian semi-final will be remembered for an astonishing disciplinary record.