Brazilian defender suspended until injured opponent returns to training

Brazilian defender Victor Gabriel faces an unprecedented suspension: he is barred from playing until Cruzeiro forward Gabriel Pec, whom he seriously injured, can resume training. The Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) issued the ruling following a review of the tackle during Internacional's 2-1 defeat to Cruzeiro in a Brazilian Serie A match.

The incident occurred 13 minutes into the second half when Victor Gabriel's excessive force challenge on Pec resulted in a straight red card. While Pec initially appeared to have a deep leg cut, medical assessments revealed a fractured left tibia, requiring surgery. Standard suspensions for violent conduct range from one to six matches, but the disciplinary panel deemed this insufficient given the injury's severity.

The court imposed an open-ended ban, which can last up to 180 days, until Pec is medically cleared for full team training. During the disciplinary hearing, an emotional Victor Gabriel apologized for the incident, emphasizing his lack of intent to injure his opponent. "I spend sleepless nights praying for him. I sincerely apologize to everyone at Cruzeiro," the defender stated.

Victor Gabriel is expected to be sidelined for at least three to four months, aligning with Pec's estimated recovery period before he can return to training. Pec, who joined Cruzeiro from LA Galaxy in July, was making his first start for the club when the injury occurred.

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I spend sleepless nights praying for him. I sincerely apologize to everyone at Cruzeiro.