Not Just Slovan: Fellow Champions League Side Hit with Even Harsher UEFA Sanctions

UEFA's disciplinary body hit the French club with a ticket ban for both fixtures following crowd trouble and pyrotechnics during their Champions League clash at Club Brugge.

During last week's tie, RC Lens supporters ignited dozens of flares, hurling several toward opposing fans and onto the pitch, forcing the referee to briefly halt play. Lens went on to lose 3-0 to the Belgian team.

The French side had already been on a suspended sentence from UEFA after fans set off pyrotechnics and fireworks during a previous Champions League match against Slavia Prague. UEFA confirmed its appeals body has banned RC Lens from selling tickets to their supporters for two away Champions League games—against RB Leipzig on November 24 and Liverpool at Anfield on January 27.

A ban for a third away match has been suspended under a two-year probationary period. Lens were also fined €80,000 for "lighting and throwing pyrotechnics and acts of damage," according to the AP.

Slovan Bratislava also received heavy sanctions, with UEFA handing down a €40,000 fine alongside a one-match away ticket ban in European club competitions.