The Brazilian sports judiciary issued an exceptional penalty against Internacional Porto Alegre defender Victor Gabriel after his violent tackle caused Cruzeiro striker Gabriel Beck to suffer a broken left leg.
The sixth disciplinary committee of the Supreme Court of Sports Justice decided to suspend Gabriel until Beck returns to training with his team, with the suspension not to exceed 180 days, in an unusual decision that goes beyond the traditional penalties for such offenses.
Beck was injured during the match between the two teams, which required him to undergo surgery, with expectations that he will be out of action for a period ranging between 3 and 4 months.
The court found that the usual penalty, which ranges from one match to six matches, was not commensurate with the seriousness of the injury, and based its decision on a clause that allows for the suspension to be extended until the injured player is able to return to training.
During the hearing, Victor Gabriel appeared emotional, confirming that he did not intentionally harm his opponent. He also apologized to Beck and the Cruzeiro fans, and stressed his support for the player during his recovery period.
Internacional has the right to appeal the decision before the full panel of the Brazilian sports court.
