February 19 – A Brazilian derby between Vitoria and Bahia was abandoned with 11 minutes remaining on Sunday after the hosts had six players sent off in a game marked by a mass brawl.
Altogether nine red cards were shown, seven to on-field players – five from Vitoria and two from Bahia – and a further two to unused subs.
The game was locked at 1-1 when Bruno Bispo became the ninth player in all to be dismissed. Earlier after Bahia midfielder Vinicius had equalised from the penalty spot in the 50th minute, a fight then broke out when Vitoria took offence to scorer Vinicius’ celebration dance. Red cards were meted out to seven players, and a further two later on.
With teams requiring a minimum of seven players under FIFA rules, the referee was forced to call a premature halt to proceedings.
Brazil’s sporting court will now decide what action to take over the indiscipline and the result.
Ironically the match was billed ‘Ba-Vi’ of peace, to promote a peaceful climate on and off the field.
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