Sevilla Fans Allowed into Champions League Game Against Lens After Successful Appeal
Sevilla fans will have the opportunity to attend their final Champions League group stage match against Lens on Tuesday night, following a successful appeal by the Spanish club against a ban imposed by French authorities. The ban, issued by the Pas-de-Calais department, stated that any person identified as a Sevilla supporter or behaving as such would be prohibited from entering Lens’ Bollaert-Delelis stadium and its surroundings due to concerns over security risks.
However, the decision was overturned on Tuesday afternoon after Sevilla contested the ban with the French National Association of Supporters, a group of Sevilla shareholders, a major Spanish fans group, and Football Supporters Europe (FSE). The French government acknowledged that the ban was disproportionate and infringed upon the fundamental liberties of these individuals. As a result, the state has been ordered to pay Sevilla and the other groups €3,000 ($3,200, £2,600).
Lens currently sits in third place in Group B with five points, with a chance of advancing to the last-16. Meanwhile, Sevilla is at the bottom of the group with two points. Both teams are still in contention for a Europa League spot.
In response to the decision, Sevilla expressed both satisfaction and regret. The club celebrated the fact that their fans will finally be able to attend the match in France and Lens’ surroundings. However, they also expressed disappointment over the damage caused to many other supporters who decided not to travel and attend the game due to the uncertainty and threat posed by the ban, despite having tickets. Sevilla intends to file a complaint with UEFA regarding this matter.
The Federation of Shareholders and Members of Spanish Football (FASFE) extended their gratitude to the National Association of Supporters, FSE, Accionistas Unidos (the group of Sevilla shareholders), and all Sevillistas who rallied against this injustice and defended the rights of the fans.
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