The STJD imposes a severe penalty on Inter’s defender, Victor Gabriel, who could be sidelined for up to 180 days after a challenge on Gabriel Pec.
The Superior Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva (STJD) has taken a drastic decision by punishing Internacional defender Victor Gabriel. The player was suspended for six matches, with the possibility of being sidelined for up to 180 days, due to a violent tackle on Cruzeiro forward Gabriel Pec. The incident occurred during a Brazilian Serie A match on the 22nd, at Beira-Rio stadium.
The decision, which can still be appealed to the STJD Plenum, was based on article 254 of the Brazilian Code of Sports Justice (CBJD), which addresses violent plays. Although the intent to injure was not confirmed, the tribunal understood that Victor Gabriel assumed the risk of injuring the opponent with a reckless tackle.
The Penalty and the STJD’s Justification
Auditor Jorge Octavio Lavocat Galvão detailed the deliberation:
“Accepted the complaint to condemn athlete Victor Gabriel to a six-match ban and, by majority vote, overturning the rapporteur, also cumulatively applied the penalty stipulated in the third paragraph: suspension until the injured party is fit to return to training, with a maximum period of 180 days.”
Victor Gabriel’s defense was present at the trial, with the player stating he had no intention of injuring Gabriel Pec. He even shared the conversation he had with the Cruzeiro forward after the incident.
Aggravating Factor and Financial Loss
The aggravating factor for the more severe penalty lies in § 3 of article 254 of the CBJD, which provides for the suspension of the offender until the complete recovery of the injured athlete, with a limit of 180 days. Deputy Prosecutor-General Ronald Siqueira Barbosa Filho argued for the need for equity in the punishment, comparing the impact of a player being sidelined for a long period on a club.
Internacional’s defense made a mistake by presenting a parody audio clip as if it were from VAR. Despite the attempt to disqualify the evidence, the gaffe sparked discussions, and the STJD will send an official letter to the CBF to verify the material’s authenticity.
The financial loss for Cruzeiro due to Gabriel Pec’s injury was also a crucial point, as the forward, signed for R$ 61.1 million, suffered the serious injury right in his official debut. The expectation is that the player will be out for the 2026 Brazilian Serie A season.
The Incident and the Red Card
The play that culminated in the punishment occurred in the 13th minute of the second half. Victor Gabriel, in a ball challenge, was late and forcefully hit Gabriel Pec’s shin, causing a cut and bleeding. The Cruzeiro forward left the field on a stretcher, visibly shaken, which resulted in the immediate red card for the Colorado defender. The red card, in fact, was a factor that contributed to Cruzeiro’s victory in that match.
This case highlights the importance of respecting the rules and the seriousness of the consequences of violent plays in football, affecting not only the punished athlete but also the clubs involved and the progress of the competitions.
