Lens ordered to play two home game behind closed doors after fan violence

September 21 – French top-flight club Lens have been ordered to play at least two home games behind closed doors as a punishment for last weekend’s pitch invasion during the local derby with northern rivals Lille.

Dozens of Lens supporters stormed the pitch on Saturday to confront visiting Lille fans.

The second half was delayed for 30 minutes as riot police intervened to separate opposing supporters who hurled seats at each other over a partition wall. Six people sustained minor injuries and police made two arrests.

The ban on fans applies to Wednesday’s Ligue 1 game against Strasbourg and the October 1 visit of Reims.

The French league’s disciplinary committee also decided to close the away section for travelling Lille supporters at upcoming away matches.

The trouble came a week after Nice were docked a point following the serious incidents that led to their August 22 home match with Marseille having to be abandoned.

Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1711717815labto1711717815ofdlr1711717815owedi1711717815sni@w1711717815ahsra1711717815w.wer1711717815dna1711717815