Porto vs Sporting: 40-man brawl with 5 red cards 'even ballboys try to fight'

Fierce Portuguese rivals Sporting Lisbon and Porto became embroiled in a 40-man brawl as ball boys appeared to get involved in the scuffle, with the referee handing out five red cards.

A game between historic rivals Porto and Sporting Lisbon descended in utter chaos on Friday, with even matchday staff getting involved.

The pair faced off in what ended up being a 2-2 draw - but after the game, tempers flared and an incredible five players were subsequently sent off for their involvement in the scuffle.

Agustín Marchesín and Pepe of Porto, along with Sebastián Coates, João Palhinha, and Bruno Tabata of Sporting, all received their marching orders as the Primeira Liga encounter became marred with post-game fighting.

Even more remarkably, it appeared that ball boys and stewards got involved as well.

Stunner viewers online gave their thoughts to the wild scenes.

They said: "Porto vs Sporting has ended in a Royal Rumble. Obviously, Pepe is involved and has been sent off about 10 minutes after the final whistle. Great temperament on display as ever."

One wrote: "Complete chaos at Porto vs Sporting with mass brawl at FT."

Another said: "That Porto v Sporting game had everything. Absolutely wild! Even the ballboys trying to scrap at the end."

A third wrote: "Omo this Porto vs Sporting match lasan, they must ban both clubs cos I've never seen this kind of chaos in any football match before."

Another stated: "Porto/Sporting games = always cards & carnage."

A last one said: "Now this is embarrassing on so many levels."

The game at the Estádio do Dragão finished 2-2, meaning Porto keeps their spot at the top of the table, with a six-point game on their rivals.

At least 40 men were involved (Image: REUTERS)

Ugly scenes resulted in five red cards (Image: DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

Paulinho opened the scoring for the away side - before Nuno Santos doubled the lead.

Then Porto responded - Fabio Vieria bringing a goal back for them, before Mehdi Taremi made it all square on 78 minutes.

Then, after the final whistle, anger broke out from all corners of the stadiums.