Brazil: Victor Gabriel suspended until injured opponent returns, up to 180 days | OneFootball

Brazil’s sports court has handed Internacional defender Victor Gabriel an unusual punishment after his tackle seriously injured Cruzeiro’s Gabriel Pec, AFP reports. He must serve a minimum six-match ban and cannot return until Pec is back in training, capped at 180 days.

He was sent off during Internacional de Porto Alegre’s 1-2 defeat to Cruzeiro for a dangerous challenge on Pec. Gabriel is a 22-year-old centre-back.

The Superior Tribunal of Sports Justice, STJD, delivered the ruling on Tuesday.

Pec sustained a fracture of his left tibia in the incident. Cruzeiro expect the forward to be sidelined for three to four months.

Addressing the tribunal, Victor Gabriel said he did not intend to hurt his opponent, citing a slippery, wet pitch and a loss of control. He called it an unfortunate action, adding that he had apologised and offered his support.

The prosecution argued the tackle carried significant risk, while acknowledging there was no intent to injure.

Source: L'Équipe