Lille announces Tiago Santos has suffered a complete ACL tear

The club stated in an official statement that Santos FC was forced to leave the pitch on a stretcher in the 17th minute of the match, following a strong challenge from a Le Havre player. Medical examinations confirmed the severity of the injury, which will require the player to undergo a long rehabilitation period, likely ruling him out for several months.

Lille has indicated that the player previously suffered a similar injury in 2024, emphasizing that the priority at this time is to provide the necessary medical, psychological, and humanitarian support during the treatment and recovery phase.

The French club expressed its dissatisfaction with the lack of punishment for a Le Havre player for a tackle that caused an injury, noting that television footage showed the incident from multiple angles, and that the Video Assistant Referee could have intervened to check if the player deserved a straight red card. It also pointed out another strong tackle from the same player on Dylan Bakwa minutes later, without any card being shown.

Lille has confirmed that it has lodged a complaint with the French Football Federation and the Professional Football League, demanding a review of the officiating crew's handling of the incident and the video technology, as well as clarifications regarding the decision. Additionally, they have called for the league president to refer the case to the disciplinary committee.

The club concluded its statement by emphasizing that the injury represents a significant sporting and financial loss, stressing that it is considering the legal options available to contest and demand compensation for the damages incurred, while being prepared to support the player in any actions he decides to take to defend his rights.