Ligue 1: Lens supporters launch counter

Several groups of RC Lens supporters sent a letter on Tuesday to the CNOSF to request the cancellation of the rescheduling of the match between Lens and PSG. Initially scheduled for April 11, the clash in the 29th round of Ligue 1 was postponed to May 13 by the LFP despite the refusal of the Lens club and a strong controversy. Anger has not subsided following the rescheduling of Lens-PSG. Originally planned for April 11 and moved by the LFP to May 13 against the wishes of the Sang et Or, the clash in the 29th round of Ligue 1 remains highly controversial. While the Lens management has opted for appeasement and stated that they will not appeal to the CNOSF to get their way, the supporters have taken charge. Through a letter addressed to the French National Olympic and Sports Committee, 34 RCL fan associations announced that they will appeal to the organization.

“This rescheduling was imposed on RC Lens, which did not give its consent, creating a direct prejudice to the fairness of the end of our championship,” Lens supporters complained in an open letter to the CNOSF on Tuesday. “Our protest is based on a manifestly abusive application of Article 411 of the LFP competition regulations.” This article states that the LFP board is not authorized to modify the schedule in the case of exceptional circumstances.

“The preservation of the UEFA coefficient is a longstanding political and strategic objective,” emphasized the LFP in justifying its decision, attributing these “exceptional circumstances” to the need to help PSG shine on the European stage against Liverpool in the Champions League quarter-finals. The importance of a good performance from the Parisian club for the UEFA coefficient and the fifth place in Ligue 1 was also highlighted.

Lens, the main contender of PSG in the title race, had targeted this clash in the 29th round of Ligue 1 to make an impression and take a step towards the final victory. However, with the match being rescheduled, the team will have to wait before playing this “championship final.”

Highlighting a “breach of fairness” with this rescheduling, the people of Lens criticize the decision to assist PSG in the Champions League. They argue, “It is inconceivable that the integrity of RC Lens’s end-of-season serves as an adjustment variable to the European ambitions of Paris Saint-Germain.”