Internacional defender Víctor Gabriel has received an unusual suspension from Brazilian football after a challenge that left Cruzeiro forward Gabriel Pec with a broken leg during a league match on July 22. Brazil's Superior Court of Sports Justice ruled that the punishment should extend until Pec is medically cleared to resume training, rather than imposing a conventional match-based suspension. However, the sanction cannot exceed 180 days and remains subject to appeal.

The disciplinary panel concluded that the seriousness of Pec's injury warranted a stronger response than the standard penalties typically applied in similar cases. Under Brazilian sports regulations, officials are permitted to the duration of a suspension to the injured player's recovery when an incident results in severe physical harm. The decision reflected the court's view that the consequences of the tackle justified an exceptional disciplinary measure.

During the hearing, Víctor Gabriel stated that he never intended to injure his opponent and expressed regret over the incident. The defender explained that he had been deeply affected by the outcome and offered an apology to Gabriel Pec and everyone associated with Cruzeiro. Pec, who joined Cruzeiro from LA Galaxy for a club-record transfer fee during the FIFA Club World Cup break, is now focused on his rehabilitation.

The ruling was not unanimous, as one member of the disciplinary panel favored a traditional six-match suspension instead of the open-ended ban. Nevertheless, the majority supported the harsher punishment, making the decision one of the most notable disciplinary cases in recent Brazilian football. The outcome has sparked discussion about player safety, accountability, and whether injury-based suspensions could become more common in future cases.