Lille consider legal action after Santos' ACL rupture

French club Lille have announced they are weighing legal action after defender Tiago Santos was forced off on a stretcher with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament and a meniscal tear. The 24‑year‑old had started every Ligue 1 match this season and was injured in a challenge by Le Havre midfielder Amir Richardson on Saturday.

The incident and immediate fallout

Santos was taken off in the first half of Lille's 1‑0 victory, the tackle being classified as a foul but without any card shown to Richardson. Lille argue the challenge was "from behind, uncontrolled and in a dangerous manner" and should have merited a red card.

The club have asked the league to refer the case to its disciplinary panel, believing the referee and VAR failed to apply the correct sanction.

Club statements and possible remedies

Lille’s statement said the circumstances and lack of punishment "raise serious questions for the club" and that they have referred the matter to the French Football Federation and the Professional Football League for review.

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It added that Lille are "studying the possible remedies and reserves the right to take any legal action to obtain compensation for its damages" and confirmed Santos will be out for "several months".

Le Havre responded that both the club and Richardson expressed support for Santos' recovery but defended the referee’s decision, claiming Lille’s move would fall outside current regulations.

Le Havre also said it respects all fellow Ligue 1 clubs and expects the same respect in return.

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Lille sit second in Ligue 1 and will travel to face Arsenal in the Champions League on Tuesday, while the club awaits the outcome of the disciplinary review.