“It all kicked off!” doesn’t quite do it justice.
Carnage and confusion reigned in Brazil on Sunday night, when Vitoria hosted rivals Bahia at the Estádio Manoel Barradas.
Tempers always run high in that fixture but this weekend saw a whole new level of aggression as nine players were sent off in the Brazilian Campeonato Baiano clash.
The mood of the game was clear from kick-off as Bruno Bispo received a yellow card in the opening minute.
?? It’s all kicking off in Brazil.
Bahia vs Vitoria. FIIIIIGHT! pic.twitter.com/QS94UNjYJS
— Now Football (@Now__Football) February 18, 2018
The turning point in the match came at the beginning of the second half, when Bahia were awarded a penalty and VinÃcius converted to bring the game level.
VinÃcius’ celebration prompted a massive melee between both sets of players, with Vitoria’s goalkeeper Fernando Miguel taking umbrage with the opposition forward.
Fists went flying behind the home side’s goal and the referee had to act.
Seven players were sent off for their roles in the brawl, including two Bahia substitutes who got involved from the bench.
Incredibly, the game was allowed to continue after the fight but when two more Vitoria players were sent off later on, the officials had no option but to abandon the game.
Reports in Brazil suggest that the outcome of the match could now be decided by Brazil’s sporting court and Bahia could well be awarded a victory because Vitoria received more red cards.
