PSV is “deeply ashamed” of the events of Tuesday evening in France. During halftime of the match against RC Lens, supporters of the Eindhoven club tore down chairs. They threw them, along with some fireworks, into a section with home fans.
“Although we were in contact with all supporter groups leading up to this match, things went wrong during halftime. We put a lot of energy and time into continuing to talk to supporter groups and then a small group spoils it,” said a PSV spokesperson.
“We are now investigating in collaboration with the French authorities. The images have been requested and when we see who they are, we will crack down on the perpetrators.”
In the run-up to the Champions League match, it was initially quiet in Lens during the day. Riots broke out two hours before the start of the match. 24 people were slightly injured, French police reported. One arrest has been made so far.
“Things went reasonably well in the city during the day. However, there was an incident during the move to the stadium,” says the PSV spokesperson. “On Thursday morning, all security people will meet in Eindhoven, some are still in France.”
Summary: PSV gives away lead and draws at RC Lens (1-1)
Possible new punishment from UEFA for PSV
PSV is also disappointed because a new penalty from UEFA is now threatened. A year ago, the European Football Association punished the Brabanders with playing a European away match without an audience, after supporters caused destruction and threw objects during the match against Arsenal in the Europa League.
“The last matches went well, as it should go,” the spokesperson said. “We warned them to behave, also because fans have already arranged a trip to Seville. We said: don’t screw it up.”
PSV will play the last group match in the Champions League in Seville at the end of November. If UEFA decides again that PSV must play a European away match without an audience, the supporters who have already arranged the travel and accommodation will suffer.
It was the same last year. At that time, many fans had already paid for the trip to Bodø, Norway, where PSV played against FK Bodø/Glimt. The Eindhoven team then submitted a request to UEFA to postpone the punishment until the next European away match, for which supporters had not yet incurred any costs. UEFA then rejected that request.
PSV drew 1-1 in Lens and is still without a win in this Champions League season. The French club will visit Eindhoven in two weeks.
The post first appeared on www.nu.nl