Lille take legal action against Ligue 1 Referee over Tiago Santos’s ACL injury
Lille have formally filed a complaint over the challenge that left Tiago Santos with a season-ending knee injury, questioning the match officials’ failure to punish the incident and seeking disciplinary scrutiny.
Lille have filed a complaint with the French Football Federation (FFF) and the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) following the serious injury sustained by right-back Tiago Santos against Le Havre.
The Portuguese defender ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during Saturday’s 1-0 Ligue 1 victory, with additional meniscus damage confirmed by the club on Monday.
The 24-year-old is expected to spend several months recovering, dealing another significant blow after suffering an ACL injury to his left knee in October 2024.
Lille question refereeing decision
The incident occurred in the 17th minute when Le Havre midfielder Amir Richardson challenged Santos. The referee Bastein Dechepy allowed play to continue without showing a yellow or red card, while the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) did not intervene to recommend a review.
Lille believe the challenge was reckless and endangered the defender’s safety. They have requested an explanation of the officiating team’s assessment and the video-review process, alongside asking the LFP president to refer the incident to the disciplinary commission.
The club also highlighted another forceful challenge by Richardson on Dilane Bakwa later in the match, which likewise went unpunished.
Why disciplinary action remains possible
Under football’s Laws of the Game, serious foul play can warrant a direct red card when a challenge endangers an opponent’s safety or uses excessive force or brutality. Such incidents fall within the scope of VAR intervention when a possible sending-off has been missed.
However, the severity of an injury does not automatically establish that a foul warranted dismissal. Authorities would need to assess the nature of the challenge, the available footage and the applicable disciplinary regulations.
A formal complaint allows Lille to seek scrutiny of the incident, but it does not guarantee that the referee’s decision will be overturned or that Richardson will be punished retrospectively.
Potential consequences
The disciplinary commission could examine whether further action against Richardson is justified under the applicable rules. Any sanction would depend on its findings and the relevant procedures.
Lille have also reserved the right to pursue legal proceedings to recover losses arising from the injury. Such a claim would require a separate legal basis and evidence establishing liability and compensable damage; financial compensation is not automatic.
Beyond the potential legal dispute, Santos’ absence represents a major sporting setback for Lille as they continue their domestic campaign and prepare to face Arsenal in the Champions League.
The club say their immediate priority is supporting the defender through his rehabilitation while seeking accountability over the circumstances of his injury.
