Lille threaten legal action after Tiago Santos’ horrific knee injury

Lille have announced they are examining every legal avenue after 24‑year‑old Tiago Santos suffered a horrific knee injury during Saturday’s home game against Le Havre, a blow that threatens to keep the Portuguese winger out for months.

Injury details and foul controversy

Santos was carried off on a stretcher with a torn anterior cruciate ligament and a meniscus tear in his right knee. The damage resulted from a dangerous tackle by Le Havre midfielder Amir Richardson in the first half.

The referee deemed the challenge a foul but did not issue a yellow or red card. Lille argue the offence was “from behind, uncontrolled and in a dangerous manner” and should have warranted a straight red.

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Club officials have asked the French professional league to refer the incident to the disciplinary committee and are seeking an explanation for why VAR did not intervene.

Impact on Lille’s season

Santos started all seven matches across all competitions this season, scoring two goals and helping Lille climb to second place in Ligue 1. His absence comes ahead of a Champions League tie with Arsenal on Tuesday.

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The club’s statement read: “Lille are examining all possible legal avenues and reserve the right to take any legal action necessary to obtain compensation for their losses.”