Lens have banned their own supporters from travelling to Friday's Ligue 1 derby against Lille, saying dangerous behaviour at Club Brugge "crossed a red line". The decision comes after UEFA barred the French side from selling away tickets for Champions League trips to RB Leipzig and Liverpool, with disabled fans and a steward injured by pyrotechnics in Belgium.
UEFA has officially barred Lens supporters from attending their upcoming Champions League clash at Anfield against Liverpool. The heavy sanction follows a series of crowd disturbances and the extensive use of pyrotechnics during recent European fixtures.
The road to Madrid has begun with the league phase well under way - but which teams are currently looking in the best shape to go on and lift the European Cup?
Ruben Aguilar labelled RC Lens's thrilling 3-2 Champions League win over Slavia Prague as completely unpredictable after scoring a 93rd-minute winner. The full-back praised the unique culture at the club alongside his close bond with fellow goalscorer Florian Thauvin.
Florian Thauvin praised the incredible mental strength of RC Lens after avoiding a nightmare defeat against ten-man Slavia Prague. The French forward scored a dramatic 91st-minute equaliser before Ruben Aguilar completed a wild 3-2 Champions League comeback.
West Ham United have confirmed that French centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo has departed the London Stadium to join Ligue 1 side RC Lens on a season-long loan deal. The move marks a swift return to his homeland for the defender, who has struggled to maintain a regular starting spot under the current management Nuno Espirito Santo in East London.
Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly surprised by the referee's official match report following Nuno Mendes' late red card against Lens. Les Parisiens fear the specific wording used by match official Jeremie Pignard could result in a severe suspension for the Portuguese full-back.
Lens secured a 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain to win the Trophee des Champions thanks to a goal from Florian Thauvin. However, the French governing body LFP has faced fierce criticism for staging the fixture at Lens' home stadium despite rules stipulating a neutral venue.
Florian Thauvin scored a decisive first-half goal as Lens pulled off a major upset to defeat Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in the Trophée des Champions on Sunday. Despite going down to 10 men just before half-time, the hosts defended heroically to frustrate Luis Enrique’s side and secure the first piece of domestic silverware of the season in front of a passionate home crowd.
Thorgan Hazard has officially completed an emotional return to his boyhood club Lens, signing a long-term deal following his departure from Anderlecht. The Belgian international, brother of former Chelsea and Real Madrid icon Eden Hazard, returns to the Stade Bollaert-Delelis fourteen years after first breaking into the professional ranks with the club.
Crystal Palace have moved decisively to secure their next managerial appointment, reaching an agreement with ex-Lens head coach Pierre Sage. The Frenchman, who led Lens to the Coupe de France title and a runners-up finish in Ligue 1 last season, is set to succeed Oliver Glasner at Selhurst Park on a three-year contract.
Crystal Palace have moved quickly to secure their next managerial appointment following the departure of Oliver Glasner. The Eagles have reached an agreement in principle with RC Lens head coach Pierre Sage to take the reins at Selhurst Park.
Former Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin has agreed a deal to join Major League Soccer outfit Charlotte FC following a brief stint in Ligue 1. The French attacker is set to move to North Carolina as a Designated Player, cutting short his successful comeback in his homeland with Lens.
The 2025-26 European season is over, and it ended just as the 2024-25 did 12 months earlier, with Paris Saint-Germain lifting the European Cup at the end of the Champions League final. Saturday's win over Arsenal in Budapest was a much tighter affair than their thrashing of Inter in Munich, but was greeted with no less joy by the French giants and their supporters as they clinched a double having already won Ligue 1.
Lens
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