Lens publicly oppose moving their crucial Ligue 1 clash with PSG, citing fairness and respect for the league’s scheduling rules.
FRENCH title contenders Lens have formally objected to a request from Paris Saint-Germain to postpone their upcoming top-of-the-table clash.
The league fixture is scheduled for April 11, but PSG have asked for it to be moved after progressing to a Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool. Those European ties are set for April 8 and 14, immediately surrounding the domestic match.
Lens issued a statement responding to what they called “the recent surge in public comments” on the matter. “Racing Club de Lens made it clear to Paris Saint-Germain from the very first enquiries that it did not wish to see this date changed,” the club said.
They emphasised their commitment to “fairness, clear rules, and respect for all involved”. The statement added these were “simple principles for a fair and well-respected French football”.
PSG, who are one point ahead of Lens but have a game in hand, were already granted one postponement this month. Their league match against Nantes was moved as it originally fell between their two Champions League last-16 legs against Chelsea.
Lens coach Pierre Sage had previously questioned the need for further adjustments after his team’s 5-1 win over Angers. “We played a French Cup match on a Thursday, and then we had to play on Sunday against Metz,” he said last week.
Sage acknowledged that rest aids performance but suggested PSG should understand the constraints. “I understand that having rest allows for better performance,” he said, adding that PSG “performs very well, they competes in many trophies, so they understand the constraints.”
