UEFA have taken disciplinary action against French club Lens, meaning their supporters will not be allowed to attend the Champions League encounter against Liverpool at Anfield.
The decision follows disturbing scenes during Lens’ 3-0 defeat to Club Brugge last week, when a section of travelling supporters reportedly set off flares and threw some of them towards home fans.
The French side had already been placed on probation following a similar incident involving flares and fireworks during their European away fixture against Slavia Prague in September.
UEFA CONFIRMS TWO-MATCH AWAY FAN BAN
According to UEFA’s official website, Lens were charged over the use of pyrotechnics, throwing objects and damage caused to the stadium during the match in Belgium.
As punishment, the club have received an €80,000 fine, alongside a ban preventing their supporters from purchasing tickets for their next two Champions League away matches.
The restriction covers their trip to RB Leipzig on November 24 and their visit to Liverpool on January 27, when the two sides are scheduled to meet at Anfield.
LENS CHIEFS REPORTEDLY FURIOUS
Reports from France suggest Lens officials are angry about the behaviour of those responsible for the incidents. The club are also reportedly planning to withhold tickets from their supporters for Friday’s Ligue 1 trip to Lille.
Lens are known for having some of France’s most passionate supporters, and their travelling fans would have been expected to create a lively atmosphere at Anfield.
However, the actions of a minority have now left genuine supporters facing the consequences.
Although the ban will be disappointing for fans who had hoped to attend the match, UEFA’s decision highlights the importance of maintaining safety at European football fixtures.
With repeated incidents involving dangerous pyrotechnics, the authorities have made it clear that such behaviour can result in serious punishment for both clubs and supporters.
Liverpool will now face Lens at Anfield without their visiting supporters, following UEFA’s disciplinary ruling.
