RC Lens hit with a €15,000 fine and a two‑year suspension

While the Blood and Gold overturned a 0‑1 deficit to win 3‑2 against Slavia Prague in Prague, UEFA imposed on RC Lens a fine of €15,000 and a two‑year suspended ban on away fan seating, following the use of pyrotechnic devices.

Triumphant return to Prague

Trailing 0‑1 in the early minutes in the Czech Republic, the RC Lens players regained control of the game. At the 30th minute they equalised, then took the lead before halftime. The second goal, scored in the second half, sealed the 3‑2 final, thus launching their Champions League campaign.

Many Lens supporters made the trip to Prague, filling the sector reserved for away fans. Their presence created a boiling atmosphere, with chants resonating throughout the match. The fans also used flares, setting off several pyrotechnic devices in the stands.

This fervour accompanied the victory, but it did not go without consequence. A few weeks after the success, UEFA sanctioned the club for the behaviour of its supporters. The verdict was a fine of €15,000 and a two‑year suspended ban on away fan seating.

UEFA sanctions and their consequences

The €15,000 fine constitutes the first financial sanction imposed on RC Lens by UEFA. At the same time, the club’s away fan seating is suspended on a two‑year suspended basis, although supporters remain allowed to accompany the team on upcoming European away trips.

The official statement was shared on the Actu Ligue 1 Twitter account, which announced: “UEFA SANCTION AGAINST RC LENS!”. The message reiterated the amount of the fine and the length of the suspension, highlighting the seriousness of the use of pyrotechnic devices.

RC Lens and its supporters will therefore have to show increased vigilance during future Champions League away matches. New incidents could lead to a heavier sanction, or even deprive the Blood and Gold of support from part of their fans far from the Bollaert stadium.

These sanctions cast a shadow over the promising start of the club’s European campaign. They remind that success on the pitch must be accompanied by exemplary behaviour off the stadium.