Lille is considering legal action after defender Tiago Santos ruptured the ACL in his right knee in an “uncontrolled and dangerous” tackle by Le Havre midfielder Amir Richardson on Saturday. The 24-year-old right back is set to miss the rest of the season and has now torn an ACL twice, having damaged his left knee in October 2024.
Richardson was not shown a yellow or red card for the tackle, which ESPN described as uncontrolled and dangerous. Lille has since pushed match officials and French soccer authorities for answers on how the incident was reviewed.
What The Club Said About The Tackle
Lille has not confirmed a formal diagnosis beyond the ACL rupture, and no recovery timeline beyond the end of the season has been given. The club argues the challenge should have resulted in a direct red card and has asked the French league and federation to explain the video review process used by officials during the match.
In a statement cited by ESPN, Lille said, “The circumstances of the incident and the lack of any sanction raise serious questions for the club.” The club has also requested that the league refer the incident to its disciplinary panel for further review.
Santos’ Season And International Role
Santos is a Portugal Under-21 international. Lille play Arsenal in the Champions League on Tuesday.
What Comes Next
Lille asked the French league and federation to explain the video review process by Saturday’s match officials and requested the incident be referred to the league’s disciplinary panel.
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