Champions League
Lens fined €15,000 for pyrotechnic rockets in Prague
Under the neon lights of the Fortuna Arena of Slavia Prague, RC Lens supporters set off a rain of pyrotechnic devices, turning the fan zone into a blazing spectacle, and the challenge, to celebrate the club's return to the Champions League.
UEFA sanction
UEFA imposed a €15,000 fine on RC Lens, a decision taken by the control, ethics and discipline committee after the “massive pyrotechnic outbreak” of the supporters. The body also handed down a suspended suspension of the Lens fan zone, conditioned on no recurrence over the next two years.
This sanction follows the same logic as that applied to Feyenoord, whose some supporters were sanctioned for racist behaviour in Barcelona, reminding that no one escapes it. UEFA thus continues to closely monitor supporter behaviour in European competitions.
If the blood‑and‑gold supporters were to reoffend, the suspension will become effective, otherwise it will remain suspended. The club was therefore warned that the next offence could lead to a ban on the fan zone.
This case highlights UEFA’s commitment to maintaining safety and respect in stadiums, even for clubs recently re‑entered into the Champions League. Authorities thus hope to discourage the use of pyrotechnic devices during European matches.