Lille threatens legal action after Tiago Santos suffers ACL injury

Lille have launched a formal challenge following Tiago Santos’s season-threatening injury, demanding explanations over the officiating and VAR decisions during their 1-0 victory against Le Havre.
The Portuguese right-back suffered a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee after a collision involving Richardson. The injury is particularly painful given that Santos sustained the same injury to his opposite knee just two years ago.
Despite securing three points through Bakwa’s goal, Lille expressed anger that the incident went unpunished, arguing that the challenge warranted a straight red card regardless of the resulting injury.
The club has appealed to France’s football federation and professional league, requesting a review of the officials’ decisions and referral to the disciplinary committee. Lille are also considering legal proceedings to recover financial and sporting damages, pledging support for Santos as he considers his options.
The controversy now places refereeing accountability under scrutiny.