Internacional defender Victor Gabriel has been issued a significant suspension following a reckless tackle during a top-flight match against Cruzeiro. The incident occurred as Cruzeiro secured a 2-1 victory, with the referee initially playing an advantage before stopping play to issue a straight red card to the substitute defender. The challenge, described as a horror tackle, involved Victor Gabriel flying into a challenge on forward Gabriel Pec to intercept a counter-attack. Failing to reach the ball, the defender made contact with his studs showing, striking Pec on the shin with enough force that blood was immediately visible on the field.
Gabriel's agricultural tackle left Pec in pain, having had his left tibia fractured, and he was stretchered off shortly afterward. Pec, who had recently returned to Brazilian football this summer following a stint with Major League Soccer club Los Angeles Galaxy, underwent successful surgery to repair the fracture and is now beginning his rehabilitation process. Following the match, the case was referred to Brazil's Superior Court of Sports Justice. The court subsequently sanctioned Victor Gabriel with a ban lasting until he is cleared to return to training, with the duration of the disciplinary action capped at a maximum of six months.
Speaking to reporters after featuring for Santos in the Copa Sudamericana, Neymar confirmed that his international career has reached its end. He scored 80 goals in 130 appearances for his country.
The 34-year-old initially told cameras that he considered his international career to be over after the Seleçao lost to Norway in the Round of 16.
He made the revelation in the wake of a number of posts on social media postulating his availability for the next edition of the World Cup for Brazil.
