Brazil’s Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) has handed Internacional defender Victor Gabriel an unusual suspension, ruling that he cannot play again until Cruzeiro forward Gabriel Pec is medically cleared to resume training following the serious injury he suffered from the defender’s tackle.
According to Marca, the decision followed the Sixth Disciplinary Commission’s review of the challenge during Internacional’s 2-1 home defeat to Cruzeiro in a Brazilian Serie A match.
The incident occurred 13 minutes into the second half when Victor Gabriel lunged into a challenge on Pec with excessive force. The referee immediately produced a straight red card.
Although Pec initially left the pitch with what appeared to be a deep cut to his leg, further medical examinations revealed a fractured left tibia, forcing the striker to undergo surgery.
Ordinarily, violent conduct attracts a suspension of between one and six matches. However, the disciplinary panel ruled that such a punishment was inadequate given the severity of the injury.
Instead, the court imposed an open-ended suspension, barring Victor Gabriel from playing until Pec returns to full team training. The sanction carries a maximum duration of 180 days.
During the disciplinary hearing, an emotional Victor Gabriel apologised for the incident, insisting he never intended to injure his opponent.
“I spend sleepless nights praying for him. I sincerely apologise to everyone at Cruzeiro,” the defender told the tribunal.
Victor Gabriel is expected to remain sidelined for at least three to four months, based on the estimated recovery period before Pec resumes training.
Pec, who joined Cruzeiro from LA Galaxy in July, was making his first start for the Brazilian club when the injury occurred.
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