Ten red cards as Brazilian soccer derby between Bahia and Vitoria is abandoned after brawl erupts
Authorities say more punishments could be coming following mayhem in state championship match
A Brazilian state football championship match had to be abandoned after a mass brawl led to 10 red cards – and there could be more punishments coming, authorities said.
Bahia and Vitoria clashed on Sunday in the Bahia state championship, in the north-east of Brazil, when mayhem erupted.
The spark came after Bahia equalised three minutes into the second half and goalscorer Vinicius celebrated with a vulgar gesture that simulated sex.
In response, Vitoria goalkeeper Fernando Miguel confronted Vinicius, causing a ruckus.
Watch: brawl erupts in Brazilian game
— Now Football (@Now__Football) February 18, 2018
Eight players were sent off for their part in the brawl, while two more players were sent off later in the match, after which the referee abandoned the game with 11 minutes still to play as Vitoria had only six players left on the pitch.