French club Lille is considering legal action after defender Tiago Santos sustained an injury during their game against Le Havre on Saturday.
The club revealed that the injury was due to an "uncontrolled and dangerous" tackle by midfielder Amir Richardson, forcing the 24-year-old to be carried off on a stretcher.
Santos suffered a rupture of his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), as well as a meniscal tear in his right knee.
Despite the tackle being flagged as a foul, Richardson did not receive a yellow or red card for the challenge.
Lille said their disciplinary panel is looking into the situation because the tackle was made "from behind, uncontrolled and in a dangerous manner".
"Beyond the injury itself, the circumstances in which it occurred and the lack of sanction raise serious questions for the club," the club's statement added.
"LOSC has referred the matter to the French Football Federation and the Professional Football League in order to obtain an examination of the handling of this action by the refereeing team and the video assistance.
"LOSC is studying the possible remedies and reserves the right to take any legal action to obtain compensation for its damages."
The club said Santos will be unable to play for "several months".
Responding, Le Havre sympathised with Santos but noted that they lacked control over the officiating referee's decision.
They also questioned Lille's move to "punish its player after the fact, since such a decision would fall outside the current regulations".
"HAC respects all fellow Ligue 1 clubs and expects the same respect in return," Le Havre added.
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