Top 5 football matches with most red cards in history

Football is one of the most popular sports in the world, and part of what makes it so exciting is the drama that unfolds on the pitch. Almost every week, there is a match somewhere that captures global attention because of its intensity, unexpected moments, or heated rivalries.

Sometimes, however, the pressure of high-stakes games becomes too much. When emotions run high, players can lose control, leading to aggressive challenges, arguments, and even large brawls—situations every coach hopes to avoid.

A recent example is the Cruzeiro vs Atlético Mineiro match, which drew attention for setting an unusual record due to the number of red cards shown. Incidents like this remind us how quickly a tense game can spiral into chaos.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at five football matches that recorded the highest number of red cards in the sport’s history.

5. Recreativo Linense vs Saladillo De Algeciras: 19 red cards

In January 2009, a regional first-division match in Spain descended into chaos when the referee ended up showing an astonishing 19 red cards. The game between Recreativo Linense and Saladillo de Algeciras spiraled out of control after a Recreativo player was sent off, which triggered a heated confrontation between players from both sides. 

The situation quickly escalated into a mass altercation, forcing the referee to abandon the match. In the aftermath, he issued red cards to nine additional players from each team, turning the match into one of the most bizarre incidents in Spanish football history.

4. Sportivo Ameliano vs General Caballero: 20 red cards

In 1993, Paraguayan teams Sportivo Ameliano and General Caballero were involved in one of the most chaotic matches in football history. What began as a tense game quickly spiraled out of control after two Sportivo Ameliano players were sent off. Their dismissals sparked a massive on-field brawl that lasted nearly 10 minutes, involving players from both teams.

The situation became so intense that the referee was forced to abandon the match. By the time it ended, an astonishing 20 red cards had been shown to players from both sides, setting an unwanted record in the division and making the game infamous in Paraguayan football history.

3. Portuguesa vs Botafogo: 22 red cards

A match between Brazilian clubs Portuguesa and Botafogo went down as one of the most chaotic games in football history. The referee ended up showing an astonishing 22 red cards, sending off every player from both teams. 

At the time, it set the record for the most red cards in a single match, though that record was later broken. The game became infamous for its complete breakdown in discipline and remains one of the most dramatic and controversial fixtures ever played.

2. Cruzeiro vs Atlético Mineiro: 23 red cards

On what should have been a night of celebration for Cruzeiro, one of the most chaotic incidents in Brazilian football history unfolded instead. At Mineirão Stadium on Sunday, Cruzeiro defeated their fierce rivals Atlético Mineiro 1–0 to win the Campeonato Mineiro title.

But the match ended in extraordinary scenes of violence. Late in the game, Cruzeiro midfielder Christian and Atlético goalkeeper Everson collided in a heated moment that sent Christian to the ground. What started as a small confrontation quickly spiraled out of control. Players from both teams rushed in, turning the situation into a massive brawl that also involved coaches and even security staff.

By the time order was finally restored, the referee had shown an astonishing 23 red cards—setting a new record in Brazilian football and overshadowing what should have been Cruzeiro’s triumphant night.

1. Claypole vs Victoriano Arenas: 36 red cards

In 2011, a match between Argentine teams Claypole and Victoriano Arenas set a world record for the most red cards shown in a senior football match.

The game began to get out of control after two players were sent off in the first half. Tensions continued to rise in the second half, with dangerous tackles, fights, and confrontations breaking out on the field.

The situation eventually turned into a massive brawl involving players, coaches, and even supporters. Referee Damian Rubino struggled to restore order and ultimately decided to send off everyone involved.

By the end of the chaotic match, every player on both teams had received a red card, along with several coaches and substitutes. In total, the referee issued 36 red cards, setting a remarkable and controversial record in football history.

Cover Credits - CNN