Lille have announced they are considering legal proceedings following a severe injury to defender Tiago Santos, which the club attributes to an uncontrolled and dangerous tackle during their Ligue 1 match against Le Havre on Saturday.
Santos, 24, was stretchered off the pitch after sustaining a rupture to his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and a meniscal tear in his right knee. The injury occurred in the first half of the game, which Lille ultimately won 1-0 thanks to a late goal.
Although the referee awarded a foul for the challenge committed by Le Havre midfielder Amir Richardson, no disciplinary card was issued. Lille argued that the tackle, delivered from behind in a hazardous manner, warranted a red card.
In a formal statement, the French club expressed deep concern over both the nature of the incident and the subsequent lack of sanction. “Beyond the injury itself, the circumstances in which it occurred and the lack of sanction raise serious questions for the club,” Lille stated.
The club has requested that the Professional Football League refer the matter to its disciplinary panel and has asked the French Football Federation to review the decisions made by the match officials and the video assistant referee.
Lille added that they are examining potential remedies and “reserve the right to take any legal action to obtain compensation for its damages.” The club confirmed that Santos will be sidelined for “several months” with the injury.
Le Havre responded by expressing support for Santos’ recovery but stood by the referee’s decision. The club argued that punishing their player retroactively would fall outside current regulations. “HAC respects all fellow Ligue 1 clubs and expects the same respect in return,” they said.
The Professional Football League has been contacted for comment. Lille currently sit second in Ligue 1 and are set to face Arsenal in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Santos’ career is at risk here. If Lille wins compensation, will it actually help him recover, or is it just about the club’s losses?
I’m surprised Le Havre is pushing back so hard. Retroactive punishment might be outside regulations, but this tackle was reckless.
No card? The referee clearly missed a red card offense. Legal action seems like the only way to hold players accountable now.