Flares and pitch invasion put Lens at risk of sanctions after Toulouse semi-final | OneFootball

Lens risk punishment from the French federation after widespread flares during their 4-1 Coupe de France semi-final win over Toulouse at Bollaert, with any measures likely to apply in Ligue 1. According to L'Équipe, action is likelier over the pyrotechnics than the later pitch invasion.

The atmosphere on Tuesday was typically lively. During the game many flares were lit by home supporters, creating the impression of a stand on fire. After qualification for the 22 May final at the Stade de France, a rapid, sizeable pitch invasion followed, apparently without incident.

Lens must now answer to the FFF disciplinary commission, organiser of the Coupe de France. The panel usually meets on Thursday morning but, wanting to handle both semi-finals together, is likely to sit next Thursday, 30 April, as reports from Strasbourg v Nice at 21.00 will not yet be in.

For the flares, the commission will decide whether the scale and duration merit a partial stand closure, firm or suspended, or a heavy fine for Lens. Toulouse could be affected, as their fans used flares. The pitch invasion should not draw punishment, since mass incursions are generally not sanctioned.

Any partial closure would be served at the next official match after the ruling, in cup or league. If the commission sits on 30 April, a sanction would apply to Lens v Nantes on 8 May, not Lens v PSG on 13 May, preserving a full house for that summit.

Source: L'Équipe