Brazilian footballer Victor Gabriel gets unusual punishment for breaking opponent's leg

A Brazilian footballer has been handed an unusual punishment for seriously injuring another player.

Defender Victor Gabriel was sent off for his challenge on Gabriel Pec during last week's game between Cruzeiro and Internacional.

Pec, who was making his debut for Cruzeiro, fractured his left tibia.

Brazil's sports court said Gabriel deserved a harsher sanction and banned him for as long as it takes for Pec to recover - up to a maximum six months.

"The offender may remain suspended until ⁠the injured party is able to ⁠return to training, respecting a maximum period of 180 days," it said.

The decision cannot be ‌appealed.

Gabriel told the court it was "a completely unfortunate incident".

"I apologised to him and offered my help," he said. "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."

Pec was playing his first game for Brazilian top-flight side Cruzeiro after joining from LA Galaxy this month.

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Punishments for a red card vary according to country.

Players in the Premier League and lower English leagues get a one-match ban, which can be extended to three for serious foul play or violent conduct.

UEFA and FIFA also both ban players for one match but can add extra sanctions, such as a fine, for an especially serious offence.

US player Folarin Balogun was fined $40,000 (£30,000) for "serious foul play" during the World Cup, but controversially his one-game ban was suspended after President Trump called FIFA boss Gianni Infantino.

(c) Sky News 2026: Brazilian footballer Victor Gabriel gets unusual punishment for breaking opponent's leg