Brazilian top flight match descends into chaos as fans have mass brawl on the pitch after late winner

A Brazilian top flight match between Coritiba and relegation-threatened Cruzeiro descended into violence after the home side scored a late winner.

Cruzeiro, who are majority owned by legendary former Real Madrid and Brazil striker Ronaldo, are one of the most successful clubs in Brazilian football history but have had a torrid last five years.

After relegation from the Brazilian Serie A for the first time in their history in 2019, Cruzeiro had to turn to former Brazil and Chelsea boss Luis Felipe Scolari to avoid a shock relegation to the third tier the following season.

They earned promotion back to the top flight last year. However, with the side currently on their third manager of the season and sitting in 17th out of 20 teams, they face a real threat of an immediate drop back down to the second tier

Those fears were heightened against Coritiba on Saturday when the hosts, themselves marooned deep inside the relegation zone, scored a 91st minute winner through forward Robson.

The goal sparked absolute chaos, with some Cruzeiro fans charging onto the pitch and sparking what turned out to be a mass brawl between both sets of supporters.

You can see the mass brawl below.

It was effectively a free for all amid the stewards attempting - and failing - to bring peace to proceedings.

After a brief pause in the fighting, both sets of fans then charge at each other, with one supporter even running around with part of what appears to be an advertising hoarding.

It is that point that things really turn nasty, with fans throwing violent punches and kicks at one another.

Following the breakout of fighting, the match was suspended, and both sets of players were sent back to the dressing rooms.

As per Globo, the Military Police Shock Battalion (PM-PR) had to be called in to finally break up the brawl, which lasted around four minutes.

Police and security carried out a sweep around the stadium to ensure the players' safety, and the match did eventually resume 25 minutes later.

There was little time for any more meaningful action, although Cruzeiro defender Neris did get booked - in the 46th minute of stoppage time.

Home side Coritiba later released a statement, which read: "The Coritiba Football Club comes out to vehemently repudiate the field invasion by the fans of Cruzeiro, right after Coritiba's goal, which gave rise to widespread turmoil.

"Situations like this are unacceptable and only harm clubs and Brazilian football. The club is working to identify the invaders and those responsible for the incident."