Lens fans banned from Leipzig and Anfield Champions League trips
In brief
UEFA has fined Lens €80,000 and barred the French club from selling tickets to its supporters for their Champions League away games at RB Leipzig (24 November 2026) and Liverpool (27 January 2027), after flares were thrown during their defeat at Club Brugge.
Supporters of French side Lens will not be in the stands for the club's next two Champions League away games. According to Get French Football News on 28 October 2026, UEFA has prohibited the Ligue 1 club from selling tickets to its own fans for the trips to RB Leipzig (24 November 2026) and Liverpool (27 January 2027). Lens were also fined €80,000.
The sanction stems from Lens' 3-0 defeat at Club Brugge on 21 October 2026, matchday three of the league phase. Reports say a group in the away section lit flares and threw some towards home supporters and onto the pitch, causing a brief stoppage.
What punishment did UEFA give Lens?
UEFA's ruling bars Lens from selling away tickets for their next two Champions League trips and imposes a €80,000 (around £67,000) fine. Empire of the Kop reports the charges covered the lighting of pyrotechnics, the throwing of objects and damage to the stadium. Football Ground Guide adds that UEFA is holding a further away ticket ban in reserve, which will only be enforced if there are new incidents during a two-year probation.
Lens' record weighed against them. The club were already on probation after their fans used flares and fireworks during the 3-2 away win over Slavia Prague on 10 September 2026. The ban means Liverpool will host Lens at Anfield on the final matchday of the league phase with no away allocation.
| Item | 2026/27 |
|---|---|
| Champions League record | 3 games: 1 win, 2 defeats |
| Goals for / against | 3 / 7 |
| League phase position | 27th |
| Slavia Prague - Lens (10 Sep) | 2-3 |
| Lens - Sporting CP (13 Oct) | 0-2 |
| Club Brugge - Lens (21 Oct) | 3-0 |
Source: ScoreLab data
How have Lens responded to their own ultras?
The club is cracking down too. According to L'Équipe, Lens have explained to their ultras the measures being taken after incidents on recent away trips, and will keep their own supporters out of the away end when they face Lille in the northern derby at Stade Pierre-Mauroy on 30 October 2026.
“Une ligne rouge a été franchie.”
What's next for Lens in the Champions League?
Yannick Cahuzac's Lens host Como in the Champions League on 4 November 2026. The ban first applies to the trip to RB Leipzig on 24 November 2026, then to Liverpool on 27 January 2027. With Lens 27th in the league phase on 3 points, both away games could matter for their hopes of staying in Europe.
Domestically, Lens finished second in Ligue 1 last season with 70 points. In 2026/27 they have 13 points from 8 games and sit seventh (ScoreLab data), after beating Paris FC 2-1 in their latest league outing.
Sources
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Frequently asked questions
Which games are Lens fans banned from?
Lens supporters cannot buy tickets for the Champions League away games at RB Leipzig on 24 November 2026 and at Liverpool on 27 January 2027.
Why did UEFA punish Lens?
Flares were lit and thrown from the away end, and the stadium was damaged, during Club Brugge 3-0 Lens on 21 October 2026. Lens were already on probation after similar incidents at Slavia Prague.
How much were Lens fined?
UEFA fined Lens €80,000.
Can Lens fans attend the derby at Lille?
No. According to L'Équipe, Lens will not offer their own supporters away tickets for Lille vs Lens on 30 October 2026.
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This analysis was prepared by the ScoreLab Newsroom using the sources listed and ScoreLab data. Editorial policy