Devastating news from France this weekend as Lille’s Portuguese right-back has seen his promising season ended by another ACL injury suffered against Le Havre.
Santos, who had been in fine form this term, was forced off in the 17th minute having been levelled by a tackle from Le Havre’s Amir Richardson. The incident led to Santos being stretchered off, but Moroccan midfielder Richardson faced no further punishment beyond the concession of a free-kick.
Lille issued a strongly-worded statement on Monday after confirming that Santos has a complete rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, along with a meniscal tear. The news is tougher on Santos given he suffered an ACL blow two years ago, which put him out of action for ten months.
مين يصدق إن التدخل هذا ما عليه حتى بطاقة؟ تياغو سانتوس بيغيب 9 أشهر على الأقل بسبب الإصابة، والحكم ما أشهر ولا بطاقة! إلى متى هالأخطاء التحكيمية؟ فعلًا شيء يقهر. 😡👎🏼 https://t.co/n0Kk8B9bek
— رايسِل (@LOSC_KSA) October 12, 2026
Lille’s statement read:
"During the LOSC-HAC match played this Saturday, October 10, LOSC defender Tiago Santos was forced to leave the pitch prematurely, stretchered off in the 17th minute of the game following a tackle, according to the Club's assessment, from behind, without control and in a dangerous manner, by a Le Havre player.
With the player's consent, LOSC has announced the diagnosis following the examinations: a complete rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, along with a meniscal tear. Tiago has thus suffered a serious injury that will require a lengthy rehabilitation. Today, LOSC's absolute priority is naturally to support its player, a member of the LOSC family, through this difficult time.
The entire Club, its management as well as the sports and medical staff are fully mobilized alongside Tiago - who had already faced a similar injury in 2024 - in order to provide him with all the necessary human, medical and psychological support.
Beyond the injury itself, the circumstances in which it occurred and the lack of sanction raise serious questions for the Club.
Even though the intervention of the Le Havre player was visible in real time, many cameras captured the scene from different angles, slow-motion replays were immediately broadcast, and VAR can intervene in the event of a clear error or a serious incident missed, including a possible direct exclusion, no sanction was issued, not even a warning.
The Club is requesting explanations regarding the refereeing team's assessment of this intervention and the checks carried out as part of the video assistance, with regard to a possible direct expulsion.
In the Club's assessment, this challenge was dangerous and, according to the Laws of the Game, warranted a direct expulsion of the player, regardless of any physical consequences. The Club also noted a second, very aggressive tackle by the same player a few minutes later on Dilane Bakwa, which also did not result in a card.
On one hand, Tiago Santos is suffering from an injury that should keep him off the field for many months and deprive him of practicing his profession and his passion.
On the other hand, the player who made this intervention, which the Club considers uncontrolled, will be eligible to play in the next league match, as no disciplinary action has yet been taken in connection with this incident. No detailed explanation has been provided to the Club to date.
The sporting and financial damage to the Club is considerable.
LOSC has appealed to the French Football Federation and the Professional Football League (LFP) to request a review of the refereeing team's handling of the incident and the use of video assistance, as well as the explanations it is entitled to expect, both for the club and its player, regarding this refereeing decision, which it considers contrary to the Laws of the Game, the protection of players' physical integrity, and the principle of sporting fairness. It has also asked the President of the LFP to refer the matter to the Disciplinary Committee.
LOSC is exploring all possible legal avenues and reserves the right to take any legal action necessary to obtain compensation for its losses. It will support Tiago in any steps he decides to take to defend his rights.”
Le Havre issued a statement of their own:
“Le Havre Athletic Club and its player, Amir Richardson, first wish to renew their sincere and total support for the Lille player, Tiago Santos, who was injured during Saturday's match, and wish him a speedy recovery.
While understanding the emotion sparked by this injury and its consequences, HAC wishes to remind that the match referee, Mr. Bastien Dechepy, as well as the VAR referee, did not deem it necessary to sanction Amir Richardson.”
At 24, Santos has time on his side to make a full recovery, but the potential impact of a second such injury in the space of two years is a devasting prospect for a player regularly linked with a move to one of Europe’s top clubs.
