BRAZILIAN defender Victor Gabriel has been banned for up to SIX MONTHS after a sickening leg-breaking challenge.
The man, 22, left Cruzeiro winger Gabriel Pec with a fractured left tibia followed his horror studs-up tackle last week.
Victor Gabriel has been slapped with a long-term ban after his horror tackle on Gabriel Pec Credit: ge
The Cruzeiro winger was writhing in agony following the career-threatening challenge Credit: Reuters
And Brazil’s Superior Court of Sports Justice, which is the country’s highest independent body for discipline, dished out a never-before-seen punishment.
Gabriel has been suspended until Pec returns to training following his recovery.
But the ban has been capped at six months and the former Recife man can launch an appeal.
Brazil’s Superior Court of Sports Justice said: “The offender may remain suspended until the injured party is able to return to training, respecting a maximum period of 180 days.”
Gabriel had only been on the pitch for 14 minutes when he ruthlessly chopped down Pec, 25, in a desperate attempt to stop a counter-attack.
The referee initially played the advantage before giving the substitute his marching orders.
Pec, who was making his debut after joining from MLS side , had blood pouring from his leg ahead of being carted off.
And Cruzeiro’s new arrival has gone under the knife following the career-threatening tackle.
Pec was going on the counter-attack when Gabriel went sliding in Credit: ge
In a statement shared on Instagram, seven-cap Under-23s star Pec wrote: “The surgery was successfully completed.
“To the honour and glory of God. Without Him, none of this would have been possible.
“I thank and praise the Lord for the lives of the doctors – Sergio, Rodrigo and Gustavo.
“I also want to thank all the supporters, family members, friends and staff. Thank you for so many messages of love and affection.
“In the midst of this challenge, I have chosen to keep my eyes fixed on Christ.
“He is my strength, my refuge, my fortress, where I find peace and joy. And I have been learning to find contentment even in the midst of trials.
“I am doing my best to recover as well as possible and as quickly as I can so I can continue doing what I love. My dreams and goals remain intact.”
Gabriel showed remorse while appearing at the hearing and insisted the X-rated tackle was an accident.
Pec had blood pouring out of his leg Credit: Alamy
The former LA Galaxy man had to be carted off and underwent surgery Credit: Reuters
He said: “It was a completely unfortunate incident. I apologised to him and offered my help.
“I asked him to forgive me for not having had any ill intent and all I could do at that moment was pray for him.
“I’ve had sleepless nights praying for him, and I offer a heartfelt apology to everyone at .”
Pec’s team-mates went on to notch a 2-1 win in the Brazilian top-flight clash with Internacional.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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