Internacional Defender Receives Heavy Ban After Brutal Tackle on Gabriel Pec

International defender Victor Gabriel received a six-match suspension from the Superior Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva (STJD) on Tuesday, October 28, following a violent tackle on Cruzeiro forward Gabriel Pec during a Campeonato Brasileiro match at the Beira-Rio on July 22. According to auditor Jorge Octavio Lavocat Galvão, the tribunal also applied a cumulative penalty suspending the player until the injured opponent is cleared to return to training, up to a maximum limit of 180 days. The decision remains subject to an appeal before the Pleno do STJD.

STJD Imposes Extended Ban Under Article 254 of the CBJD

During the session at the STJD headquarters, auditor Jorge Octavio Lavocat Galvão announced that the panel voted by majority, overcoming the initial vote of the rapporteur, to enforce both the standard six-game ban and the cumulative clause. According to the tribunal’s record, the punishment falls under article 254 of the Código Brasileiro de Justiça Desportiva (CBJD), which governs violent play. The disciplinary body established that while Victor Gabriel lacked intent to injure, his reckless challenge assumed the risk of severe injury.

The additional suspension stems from paragraph 3 of article 254 of the CBJD. The text dictates that if an injured player remains unable to practice the sport due to a severe violent play, the offending player can remain suspended until the victim returns to training, capped at 180 days. Victor Gabriel attended the hearing in person to present his defense, stating that he did not mean to hurt the opponent and referencing a private conversation he shared with the Cruzeiro forward.

Prosecution Arguments and Tribunal Divisions

Subprocurador-geral Ronald Siqueira Barbosa Filho advocated for parity and preventive deterrence during the proceedings. According to the prosecutor, if one squad inflicts damage that sidelines an opponent for two to six months, the sanction must carry an equivalent weight to address the competitive imbalance between the clubs. Auditor Rodrigo Steinmann Bayer initially disagreed, arguing that the defender showed no intent to cause harm. However, the remaining auditors sided with the prosecution, resulting in the expanded penalty.

Cruzeiro Reports Significant Financial and Roster Impact

The tribunal also weighed the financial implications for Cruzeiro. Auditor Rodrigo Steinmann Bayer highlighted that Gabriel Pec represents a major investment for the club, arriving from the MLS for 12 million dollars (approximately R$ 61,1 milhões) to replace Christian, who transferred to Krasnodar in Russia. Pec suffered the long-term injury during his very first official appearance in a celeste shirt. According to the audit findings, Cruzeiro acquired the forward to contribute immediately to their Campeonato Brasileiro campaign, and his extended absence creates a substantial financial and sporting loss.

Prior to the collision, Gabriel Pec recorded a quiet but steady performance, logging 19 actions with the ball, three shots, and two fouls suffered. The challenge that sidelined him caused visible bleeding on his shin, forcing medical staff to carry him to the dressing rooms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the official length of Victor Gabriel’s suspension?

According to the STJD ruling, Victor Gabriel received an initial six-match ban alongside an additional suspension lasting until Gabriel Pec returns to training, capped at a maximum of 180 days.

Which rule did the STJD apply to penalize the Internacional defender?

The tribunal penalized Victor Gabriel under Article 254 of the CBJD for violent play, adding the cumulative safeguard outlined in paragraph 3 regarding long-term injuries.

How much did Cruzeiro pay to acquire Gabriel Pec?

Cruzeiro signed Gabriel Pec from the MLS for 12 million dollars (approximately R$ 61,1 milhões).