Tiago Santos Out with ACL Tear, LOSC Files Complaint with FFF and LFP

Tiago Santos has suffered a complete anterior cruciate ligament tear of his right knee, along with meniscal damage, LOSC confirmed Monday in an official statement. The Portuguese defender was stretchered off the pitch during Saturday’s Ligue 1 match against Le Havre following a tackle from Le Havre midfielder Amir Richardson that went unpunished by the referee.

The northern club made no attempt to hide its anger. “Tiago is thus the victim of a serious injury that will require lengthy rehabilitation,” wrote the Dogues, before adding that “the circumstances in which it occurred and the absence of sanction raise serious questions for the club.”

Lille has officially filed a complaint with the French Football Federation (FFF) and the Professional Football League (LFP) to obtain “an examination of how this action was handled by the refereeing team and video assistance,” as well as explanations for a decision deemed “contrary to the laws of the game, to the protection of players’ physical integrity and to the principle of sporting fairness.”

The club has also asked the LFP to refer Amir Richardson’s challenge to the disciplinary commission. In its statement, LOSC specified that it is examining “possible appeals” and reserves “the right to take any legal action to obtain compensation for its damages,” while announcing it will support Tiago Santos in any steps he wishes to take personally.

The injury deprives Lille of a key player: the Portuguese right-back had established himself as one of the club’s standout performers since the start of the season. The length of his absence has not yet been determined, but an ACL tear typically results in an unavailability of six to nine months.