INTERNACIONAL DEFENDER BANNED UNTIL OPPONENT'S LEG HEALS

Victor Gabriel, a defender for Internacional, has received a suspension from Brazil's Superior Court of Sports Justice following a challenge that fractured the left tibia of Cruzeiro forward Gabriel Pec on 22 July during a Serie A match. The ban will last a maximum of six months or until Pec, making his debut for Cruzeiro, is able to return to training, whichever comes first. Victor Gabriel expressed remorse during the proceedings, stating the incident was unfortunate and that he apologised to Pec whilst denying any intent to injure.

The court questioned the authenticity of evidence presented by Internacional in Victor Gabriel's defence, which included audio from the match's VAR system. Internacional subsequently acknowledged an error in collecting and using social media audio as part of the player's defence case. The club stated it never intended to act in bad faith and requested the audio's removal from the case file.

The suspension represents an unusual punishment tied directly to the injured player's recovery rather than a fixed disciplinary period. The ruling means Victor Gabriel's return to play is conditional on Pec's medical clearance to resume training. No confirmed date for Pec's return has been stated.