Caught by an accidental tackle against Hamburg SV on Saturday, 17-year-old defender Luis Lemke lost half an incisor. Bilal El Khannouss, VfB Stuttgart attacking midfielder and Morocco international, has apologised and offered to cover his dental costs.
On Saturday, during the match between Hamburg SV and VfB Stuttgart at the Volksparkstadion, Bilal El Khannouss found himself at the centre of an incident. In the 13th minute, as he jumped over Luis Lemke’s legs during a sliding tackle along the touchline, the Moroccan’s studs accidentally struck his opponent’s face, according to LiveFoot.
The 17-year-old Hamburg defender suffered an open wound and lost half of his upper right incisor on impact, according to the same outlet. The match ended in a 1-0 win for Hamburg SV over Stuttgart. What followed after the final whistle drew attention in Germany and Morocco.
An unfortunate tackle, not a foul
None of the sources consulted suggest the move was deliberate at any point: LiveFoot describes a jump over Lemke’s legs, with accidental contact between the studs and the face. No sanction is mentioned in the available information.
The young Hamburg player chose humour to shrug off the pain. On his Instagram account, he posted photos before and after his trip to the dentist, along with a line: “One tooth less and three points secured.” He had earlier told Bild, via LiveFoot: “I have a dentist’s appointment right away, but I don’t feel any pain.”
El Khannouss puts his words into action
Moved by the consequences of the contact, the 22-year-old attacking midfielder checked on the player directly and asked for the medical bill so he could pay it, report Mountakhab.net and LiveFoot. The Moroccan site adds that the player issued an official apology and offered to cover all the dental costs.
The gesture was praised by the German and Moroccan press on Tuesday evening, according to Mountakhab.net. The Morocco international has established himself as a key attacking player for VfB Stuttgart in the Bundesliga this season, the same outlet notes.
With the Atlas Lions, El Khannouss has 38 caps, according to Wikipedia.
Stuttgart already looking ahead
The Swabian club must now digest this setback at the Volksparkstadion. Their next Bundesliga matchday is scheduled for the weekend of 24-25 October 2026, the first opportunity for El Khannouss to return to action after this episode.