Supporters banned from derby match

Supporters of RC Lens will not be allowed to travel to Lille this Friday for the Northern derby, a match between two French football clubs from the same region. The club informed supporter groups via an email accessed by RMC, stating that RC Lens has decided to close its away section in Lille this weekend.

No ticket sales or parking for fans

There will therefore be no ticket sales for the derby, and the parking area will remain empty, according to the email signed by Arnaud Goubelle, the club's supporter representative. This means that fans of RC Lens will not be able to attend the match in person, and the usual fan presence will be absent.

Decision follows recent incidents

The decision follows events during the trip to Bruges, which were not appreciated by UEFA or the management of the Artésian club, which is the nickname for Lille. The club is showing firmness following the events in the Champions League, where fan behavior drew criticism.

Preventive measures against potential issues

This decision to close the parking area is a logical follow-up to the behavior observed this week in the Champions League. A ban on traveling was also considered by the authorities, who are concerned about the security context in France. The club is taking preemptive measures to avoid further issues.

Club faces disciplinary actions

This week, RC Lens will appear before the LFP Disciplinary Commission following the events that took place in Troyes, where pyrotechnics were set off by Lens supporters. The club will also appear before UEFA for the events in Bruges, where fan conduct was reportedly problematic.

Lens plays without fans in L1 match

Seventh in L1 after its surprising victory against Paris FC on Saturday evening, Lens will therefore appear on the field of LOSC without its supporters. The absence of fans may affect the team's atmosphere and performance in the match against Lille.