Lille says defender Santos ruptured ACL in tackle and considering legal action
Champions League club Lille says it's considering legal action about an injury to defender Tiago Santos that's likely season-ending
Champions League club Lille says it's considering legal action about an injury to defender Tiago Santos that's likely season-ending. Lille says the 24-year-old right back ruptured the ACL in his right knee in an “uncontrolled and dangerous” tackle Saturday by a Le Havre player. The club statement didn't identify Le Havre midfielder Amir Richardson who wasn't shown a yellow or red card for the challenge. Lille has asked the French league and soccer federation to explain the video review process by match officials. Lille is second in the French league and plays at Arsenal in the Champions League on Tuesday.
FILE - Lille's Tiago Santos, left, challenges for the ball with Betis' Fran Garcia, center, and Betis' Valentin Gomez during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Lille and Real Betis in Lille, France, on Sept. 8, 2026.
LILLE, France (AP) — Champions League club Lille is considering legal action over an injury to defender Tiago Santos who is set to miss the rest of the season.
The 24-year-old right back ruptured the ACL in his right knee, the club confirmed on Monday, in an “uncontrolled and dangerous” tackle on Saturday by a Le Havre player during a Ligue 1 game. Lille did not identify Le Havre midfielder Amir Richardson who was not shown a yellow or red card for the challenge.
It is a second ACL injury for Portugal Under-21 international Santos who damaged his left knee in October 2024.
Lille said it asked the French league and soccer federation to explain the video review process by Saturday's match officials analyzing the incident. The club suggested the tackle justified a direct red card.
“The circumstances of the incident and the lack of any sanction raise serious questions for the club,” said Lille, adding it has asked the league to refer the incident to its disciplinary panel.
Lille is second in Ligue 1 after beating Le Havre 1-0 and plays at Arsenal in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Santos played the full game in Lille’s opening 3-2 loss at home to Real Betis five weeks ago.
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