Hulk, forward for Atlético Mineiro, did not hold back in his criticism of referee Matheus Delgado Candançan following the defeat in the Campeonato Mineiro final against Cruzeiro, which ended in widespread chaos among players from both teams and resulted in the issuance of 23 red cards. The incident occurred during stoppage time when a clash between Christian and goalkeeper Everson sparked a brawl. Atlético's keeper reacted, and within seconds, several players became involved in the fracas, which required intervention from security and military police. According to Hulk, one of the key figures in the fight, captured on video throwing a punch at Lucas Romero, the situation could have been avoided if the referee had acted with more authority throughout the match. The forward stated that he had warned the referee about the risk of things getting out of control. 'What happened? I told the referee from the start of the game that it would be a mess. He wasn't showing any personality. If he needs to send off one, two, three players, then do it! He was afraid to officiate the final. But he lacks personality,' emphasized the former FC Porto player. The match was interrupted for over ten minutes with just 30 seconds remaining in stoppage time. After tempers calmed, the referee called the game to a close. Despite justifying his reaction, Hulk apologized for his involvement in the violence. 'I don't remember ever participating in an act of violence in a football match. I will not tire of apologizing. We tried to calm things down, but in the heat of the moment, seeing a teammate being attacked, you react automatically. But it could have been avoided,' he added.
Campeonato Mineiro Matheus Delgado remains central to this story.
Campeonato Mineiro Matheus Delgado remains central to this story.
Read more in Serie A news. and related tags: Campeonato Mineiro, Matheus Delgado.