Brazil issues unprecedented ban on player who broke opponent's leg

Brazil's supreme sports court forces Victor Gabriel to sit out until the victim recovers, following an incident in the national championship.

Brazil's Supreme Sports Court has issued an unprecedented ruling, suspending Internacional player Victor Gabriel until Cruzeiro forward Gabriel Pec fully recovers from a broken leg, or for a maximum of six months. This landmark decision follows Gabriel's tackle on Pec during a Brazilian championship match on 22/7, which resulted in a severe injury and a direct red card for Gabriel.

The incident occurred during matchday 19 of the championship. Victor Gabriel's tackle broke Gabriel Pec's left tibia. The Internacional defender immediately received a direct red card for the foul.

During a hearing held nearly a week after the match, the court announced the harsh penalty. The judicial council stated that the usual punishment for such fouls, typically a ban of one to six matches, was insufficient given the severity of Pec's injury and the perceived malice of Gabriel's tackle.

Gabriel (center) tackles Pec, causing him to fall and break a bone during Internacional's 1-2 loss to Cruzeiro in round 19 of the Brazilian championship on 22/7/2026. Photo: Globo

Gabriel (center) tackles Pec, causing him to fall and break a bone during Internacional's 1-2 loss to Cruzeiro in round 19 of the Brazilian championship on 22/7/2026. Photo: Globo

Gabriel Pec required surgery for his injury and is expected to need three to four months for recovery before he can return to the field.

During the hearing, Gabriel reportedly expressed remorse, stating he had no intention of harming his opponent. "I stayed up all night praying for him. I sincerely apologize to everyone at Cruzeiro," the player added.

Pec had only recently joined Cruzeiro from LA Galaxy on 7/7 for 13,5 million USD. The match against Internacional was his debut for the new team.

Cruzeiro currently sits 11th in the Brazilian championship after 20 rounds, while Internacional is 16th, just above the relegation zone by goal difference. The loss of Gabriel, a 22-year-old defender who has been developing well, for several months could significantly impact Internacional's chances of avoiding relegation.

Gabriel's tackle causes Pec to break a bone during the Internacional - Cruzeiro match on 22/7.

Thanh Quy (according to Globo)

By VnExpress: https://vnexpress.net/brazil-ra-an-chua-tung-co-voi-cau-thu-da-gay-chan-doi-phuong-5102924.html