FIFA have been urged to change rules surrounding red cards after a 'criminal tackle' ended Getafe forward Christantus Uche's season before it began. The 23-year-old suffered a dislocated knee and multiple torn ligaments following a challenge by Monaco defender Christian Mawissa during a pre-season friendly on Thursday. Uche is expected to miss the entire upcoming La Liga campaign.
Incident in Pre-Season Friendly
Monaco beat Getafe 1-0 at the Stade Louis-II, with Paris Brunner scoring from the penalty spot in the second half. But the friendly turned sour when Mawissa lunged late, catching Uche studs up on the shin. Uche's knee appeared to hyperextend as he fell, writhing in pain. Medical staff rushed onto the pitch, and Mawissa was shown a straight red card.
Initial examinations suggested a contusion on Uche's kneecap, but further tests revealed the knee was dislocated and required surgery due to torn ligaments. Getafe now face a scramble to find a late replacement for the upcoming season.
Calls for Rule Change
Social media users quickly called on FIFA to alter red-card rules. One wrote: "According to various newspapers, Uche will miss the entire season with Getafe due to this criminal tackle by Mawissa (Monaco) in a friendly match. His knee is shattered. Mawissa shouldn't play until Uche has recovered."
Another added: "It should be a FIFA rule. Whoever injures another player with a reckless or excessively forceful tackle shall be suspended from all competitions until the injured player returns to play, and during that time, they will earn the minimum salary of their league. THIS is how these absurd tackles would end."
Reactions from Managers and Clubs
Monaco manager Filipe Luis expressed regret, saying: "I am truly sorry for Christantus Uche. We never want to see this kind of thing happen on the pitch. I wish him a speedy recovery and hope he can return as soon as possible." Getafe responded with a statement thanking Luis and Monaco for their concern and wishing them luck for the 2026/2027 season.
