By Basant El-Faramawy
A referee in Brazil has reportedly set a new world record by showing 51 red cards during a youth football match that descended into a 40-minute brawl.
Match Details
The incident occurred in a Minas Gerais U20 second division game between Uberlandia and Mamore. According to local newspaper O Tempo, 43 players and eight members of playing staff were sent off after violence erupted in the 54th minute.
Cause of the Melee
The chaos began when Uberlandia players reacted angrily to celebrations following Mamore's goal that made the score 3-1. The referee's report states that chairs and stretchers were used as weapons, and even ball boys were seen throwing kicks and punches.
Previous Record
The previous highest number of red cards in a single match was 36, recorded in an Argentine Primera D game in 2011, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.
