The Northern French derby between RC Lens and Lille was marred by riots during the break on Saturday evening. Six people were injured and two people were arrested. Afterwards, the board of the home team condemned the facts.
“Any form of violence is condemned by RC Lens. This is damaging to the image of our region. An investigation is underway. The club will file a complaint with both the professional league and the court, and I understand that the opponent will,” Lens director Arnaud Pouille said.
“At the level of the LFP, at the level of justice, there will be complaints filed by the club, and by the opposing club also from what I understood.
Pouille added the trouble at Saturday’s match could not be compared to the mayhem in that fixture.
“The circumstances were completely different then. None of the players on the ground were hit because everything happened during halftime. Yes, there will certainly be a summons to the disciplinary committee but we will give our explanation then.” Pouille said.
There were already tensions in the stands during the first half, but the puppets really started dancing during the break. The home team supporters then walked onto the ground towards the visitor supporters.
Lille on the other hand, considered not coming onto the ground as a sign of protest, but after consultation between the boards and with a half hour delay, football was played again.
Earlier this month, Nice were docked two points, one of them suspended, after serious crowd trouble during their game against Marseille as OM players clashed with home fans who pelted them with missiles and stormed onto the pitch.
The French professional league then penalised Nice with three matches behind closed doors and a penalty point. The match must also be replayed on neutral ground.
