UEFA has imposed a major punishment on French club RC Lens, banning their supporters from attending their next two Champions League away matches following serious crowd disturbances.
The decision means Lens fans will be unable to travel to Anfield when their team faces Liverpool on January 27, 2027.
WHAT HAPPENED?
The punishment follows disturbing scenes during Lens’ 3-0 defeat against Club Brugge in Belgium last week. Some travelling supporters reportedly lit numerous flares and threw them towards the pitch and opposing fans, forcing officials to temporarily stop the match.
The incident was particularly serious because Lens were already under a UEFA probationary sanction following similar behaviour involving flares and fireworks during their September fixture against Slavia Prague.
UEFA ANNOUNCES HEAVY PUNISHMENT
Following the latest incidents, UEFA’s appeals judges prohibited Lens from selling tickets to their supporters for their next two Champions League away fixtures.
The ban will affect their trip to RB Leipzig on November 24 and their visit to Liverpool at Anfield on January 27.
In addition to the travelling-supporter ban, Lens have been fined €80,000 (£67,000) for offences involving pyrotechnics, thrown objects and damage to stadium facilities.
A third away-match ban has also been suspended for a two-year probationary period.
LENS OFFICIALS REPORTEDLY ANGRY
The punishment has also created frustration within Lens, with club officials reportedly angered by the behaviour of the supporters responsible for the incidents.
The decision means genuine Lens fans who wanted to support their team in Liverpool will miss out because of the actions of a minority.
For Liverpool, the ruling means their upcoming home fixture against Lens will take place without an official allocation for visiting supporters.
Although travelling fans often contribute significantly to the atmosphere at European matches, UEFA’s decision highlights its determination to address dangerous crowd behaviour and protect the safety of players and spectators.
The incident serves as another warning to clubs across Europe that repeated supporter misconduct can lead to significant financial penalties and restrictions on travelling fans.
What do you think? Was UEFA right to ban all Lens travelling supporters because of the actions of a few individuals?
