Internacional center-back Victor Gabriel has been handed a six-month suspension by the STJD following a tackle that caused a fracture to Cruzeiro forward Gabriel Pec.
The Superior Tribunal of Sports Justice (STJD) concluded the trial of center-back Victor Gabriel this Tuesday (28). The Internacional player was penalized with a six-match ban plus a 180-day suspension, totaling six months away from the pitch. The sanction is a result of the reckless challenge that led to a serious injury for Cruzeiro forward Gabriel Pec.
The decision was based on Article 254 of the CBJD. The court applied paragraph 3 of the code, which stipulates that an offender must remain suspended until the affected player is able to return to training, up to a maximum limit of six months. As Pec‘s recovery time is estimated to fall within this period, the Internacional defender will serve the full term of the suspension.
Direct impact on the match against Flamengo
With the ruling, Internacional will be without the player for the match against Flamengo, valid for the 21st round of the Brazilian Serie A. The game takes place this Wednesday (29) at 7:30 PM (Brasilia time) at Beira-Rio Stadium. The absence is felt at a crucial moment in the competition, as the team from Porto Alegre looks to climb the table.
“I have always strived to be fair to my teammates and opponents. It was an incredibly unfortunate play. I have never been a violent player and I have never stepped onto the pitch with the intent to hurt anyone. Since that night, I have had some difficult days. I apologize from the bottom of my heart to everyone at Cruzeiro,” the defender stated during his defense at the trial.
Recalling the incident
The incident occurred last Wednesday (22), during the match between Cruzeiro and Internacional. In the 13th minute of the second half, Victor Gabriel caught Gabriel Pec on the shin with a heavy tackle. After a VAR intervention, the defender was sent off. The Cruzeiro forward suffered a tibia fracture and has already undergone surgery, beginning a long rehabilitation process.
The Mengão 360 continues to monitor all developments regarding this match and the behind-the-scenes updates for both teams for the remainder of the 2026 season. Flamengo fans are now preparing for an important tactical battle at Beira-Rio, while Internacional must adjust its defensive system without Victor Gabriel for the rest of the championship.
