RC Lens closes away section for Lille match after Brugge incidents

RC Lens banned its away supporters from travelling to Lille after pyrotechnic incidents at Brugge in Champions League, risking further UEFA sanctions.

RC Lens has decided not to open its away supporters' section for the upcoming match at Lille, following serious incidents during its Champions League fixture at Brugge on Friday. Within the away section at Brugge, supporters used 132 pyrotechnic devices in a coordinated action, despite the club already operating under a strict suspended ban on opening its away end in European competition. The incidents went beyond typical fan behaviour: objects were thrown onto the pitch and at other supporters, including members of the PMR Sang et Or group who were directly hit, and firecrackers injured a steward. UEFA subsequently closed RC Lens's away sections for matches at Leipzig and Liverpool, plus imposed a further suspended ban. The club stated that a "red line" had been crossed, referencing a joint agreement with supporter groups established last season following previous incidents in Metz, Lille, London and Reims. The decision prioritises the safety of all attendees and those involved in the match.