Soccer witnessed an unbelievable moment on Wednesday as a match in Brazil produced a new Guinness World Record after officials issued an astonishing 51 red cards following a massive on-field brawl.
The historic incident occurred during a U20 matchup between Uberlândia and Mamoré, when tensions boiled over late in the game after visiting side Mamoré scored to extend its lead to 3-1.
What followed quickly turned into complete chaos, involving players, coaches and team officials from both sides.
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Mass brawl leads to record-breaking number of red cards
Jun 28, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Fans hold up the Brazilian flag during a round of 16 match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Caean Couto-Imagn Images
According to reports, the incident began when Mamoré player Davi Fernandes Bittencourt ran toward the home team’s bench following his goal.
Bittencourt reportedly began provoking his opponents with a series of gestures and insults, sparking an angry reaction from the Uberlândia players and staff.
The confrontation quickly escalated into a massive fight, with numerous individuals becoming involved. The situation became so chaotic that chairs and stretchers were reportedly thrown through the air as players and officials exchanged blows.
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Local police were eventually forced to intervene to restore order and bring the situation under control.
Referee Fernando Modesto was left with the difficult task of dealing with the aftermath, ultimately issuing an incredible 51 red cards.
A total of 43 players were sent off, while another eight red cards were handed to members of the two teams’ coaching staffs.
Guinness World Records subsequently confirmed that the incident had established a new world record for the most red cards issued in a single football match.
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Previous record shattered after 15 years
Aug 5, 2016; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Olympic logo soccer balls at the 2016 Rio Olympics megastore at Copacabana Beach. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The previous record had stood since February 27, 2011, when an Argentine fifth-division match between Athlético Claypole and Victoriano Arenas produced 36 red cards.
That incident also followed a mass confrontation between players and officials, resulting in one of the most infamous disciplinary moments in soccer history.
However, the Brazilian U20 matchup surpassed that mark by an incredible 15 red cards.
While matches occasionally produce heated exchanges and controversial decisions, seeing 51 dismissals in a single game is virtually unheard of.
Unfortunately for the players and coaching staffs involved, their match will now be remembered for all the wrong reasons.
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Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
