Brazilian defender suspended until injured opponent recovers

Brazilian football is grappling with an unusual disciplinary measure after the Superior Tribunal de Justicia Deportiva (STJD) suspended Inter de Porto Alegre defender Victor Gabriel. The suspension is not for a fixed number of games but will last until Cruzeiro forward Gabriel Pec recovers from a severe tibia fracture. The injury occurred during a match between the two clubs, where Victor Gabriel was sent off for a direct red card after a hard tackle.

Medical examinations confirmed a fracture in Pec's left tibia, requiring surgery. The STJD's Sixth Disciplinary Commission deemed the standard suspension of one to six games insufficient given the severity of the injury. The tribunal opted for an extended measure, keeping Victor Gabriel sidelined until Pec is cleared to resume training, with a maximum duration of 180 days. This means Victor Gabriel can only return to play once medical staff confirm Pec's return to team practices, estimated to be in three to four months.

Victor Gabriel expressed remorse during the hearing, stating he had no intention of harming his opponent and has been praying for Pec's recovery. "I ask for forgiveness with all my heart to all the people of Cruzeiro," he declared. Pec, a recent signing for Cruzeiro, was making his first start in the match where he sustained the injury. The suspension is a significant blow to Inter, a team already struggling in 16th place in the Brazilian Championship and facing four consecutive losses.

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I ask for forgiveness with all my heart to all the people of Cruzeiro