An under-20 match between Uberlândia and Mamoré in Brazil drew attention after a mass brawl and a remarkable number of dismissals. Reuters reported that 43 players, eight coaching staff and two Uberlândia board members were sent off, making 53 in total.

Not 53 players

Early reports of the Minas Gerais state championship second-division semi-final referred to 51 dismissals. Including the two board members brought the reported total to 53. The number therefore does not mean that 53 footballers received cards.

Reports citing the referee’s account described tensions during the match and taunting towards the opposition bench during Mamoré’s goal celebrations. Brazilian outlet ge reported that Uberlândia subsequently withdrew from the return leg, allowing Mamoré to reach the final.

According to ge, Mamoré would have had only seven eligible players for the second leg because of the suspensions. The dismissal total is separate from the eventual length of disciplinary penalties; final suspension lengths were not announced in the reports used here.