Lens set to play their next two home games behind closed doors pending an investigation crowd trouble at France’s Northern Derby against Lille
- RC Lens will officially play their next two home games behind closed doors
- They will face Strasbourg and Reims without a crowd due to Saturday’s trouble
- There was trouble during their Northern Derby meeting with Lille on Saturday
- The second half was delayed by 30 minutes and police were forced to intervene
- The disciplinary committee of the French League are now investigating the issue
RC Lens will play their next two home games, against Strasbourg and Reims, behind closed doors after crowd trouble marred their Northern Derby meeting with Lille on Saturday.
The second half of the Ligue 1 clash was delayed by more than 30 minutes after incidents between the two sets of fans led to a pitch invasion that required riot police to intervene.
As a result, Lens will now play their next two games behind closed doors while the disciplinary committee of the French League (LFP) carry out an investigation.
RC Lens will play their next two home games, against Strasbourg and Reims, behind closed doors after crowd trouble marred their Northern Derby meeting with Lille on Saturday
The trouble started when the ‘Lens ultras’ stormed onto the pitch to confront Lille fans in the Trannin Stand on Saturday afternoon.
It is believed six people sustained minor injuries as fans began throwing seats at each other during the altercation.
Riot police were forced to intervene to prevent any further injuries and take control of the situation.
Play was eventually allowed to continue, but 50 officers were placed in front of the Marek Stand to avoid any further issues.
The trouble started when the ‘Lens ultras’ stormed onto the pitch to confront Lille fans
It is believed six people sustained minor injuries as fans began throwing seats at each other
Riot police (above) were forced to intervene to prevent any further injuries and take control
Speaking after the event, the national governing body said: ‘The LFP strongly condemns the outbursts, the invasion of the pitch and the violence that occurred during the match between RC Lens and LOSC Lille.
‘In view of the seriousness of the events, the Disciplinary Committee will meet on Monday 20 September.’
The incident on Saturday marks the second time there has been crowd trouble in French football this season.
Last months game between Nice and Marseille was abandoned as fans threw projectiles and invaded the pitch. As a result, they will replay the fixture next month.