RC Lens bans supporters from Lille match after smoke bomb incidents

RC Lens has decided not to sell tickets to its supporters for the Ligue 1 duel against Lille, which takes place on Friday evening at 21:05 at the Stade Pierre‑Mauroy. The home crowd will stay away, while the away section remains empty. The club wants to prevent further interruptions and possible sanctions.

Previous incidents

Last Wednesday, Lens supporters in the Champions League at the Jan Breydelstadion came into controversy in view of Club Brugge. Smoke bombs were ignited and thrown onto the pitch, causing the match to be briefly interrupted. A few days earlier, on 17 October, a similar incident occurred in Troyes, where dozens of smoke bombs also temporarily halted the match.

The club management is fed up with the repeated incidents and therefore opts for a strict measure. Supporters are not allowed to travel to the North derby on Friday, and the away section will remain empty. RC Lens hopes to avoid Ligue 1 sanctions in this way.

Lens ban fans from Lille derby after flare chaos in Belgium

According to RMC Sport, the board will meet on Tuesday with the various supporters' associations to discuss further measures. The decision underscores the seriousness with which the club wants to ensure the safety of its matches. The board of RC Lens will still be in consultation with the various supporters' associations on Tuesday.