RC Lens have issued a statement following the decision to rearrange their Ligue 1 fixture against Paris Saint-Germain. The Parisians requested the fixture to be moved as it falls between their two Champions League quarter-final ties against Liverpool with the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP), granting their request.
In the wake of that decision, Lens, who were heavily against moving the fixture, have responded with an official club statement.
It read: "While expressing its disagreement with the unanimous decision of the LFP Board of Directors to postpone the match against Paris Saint-Germain, RC Lens acknowledges it responsibly, reaffirms its determination to pursue its sporting objectives, and specifies that ticketing arrangements will be communicated individually by email to each supporter."
This statement is particularly contrasting to the official response to PSG asking for the game to be moved as they stressed concern that a "worrying trend" was starting to develop that sees the French league "relegated to a mere variable that can be adjusted to the European demands of certain clubs".
Lens' anger largely stemmed from the fact they sit just one point behind PSG in the Ligue 1 title race with Luis Enrique likely to make changes for the clash given it is between their European knockout matches.
Scheduling of games is another reason for their fury with Lens having another two-week break after facing Lille next weekend. And with the fixture moved back to mid May, they will play three games in seven days right at the end of the season.
They may not be so close to the reigning champions by the time their clash arrives especially as PSG have a game in hand against Nantes to play next month.
There was much less controversy on the latter rearrangement as it was accepted by both parties. It was certainly a disadvantage for Chelsea, though, as they lost to Newcastle United in the Premier League.
Paris Saint-Germain knocked out Chelsea to set up a quarter-final against Liverpool
It is now a blow for Liverpool given the fact that PSG won't play between facing Arne Slot's side while they welcome Fulham to Anfield between the two matches against the European champions.
The Parisians were favourites before this announcement as the reigning European champions and after knocking Liverpool out in last season's competition. Now they have extra rest while Liverpool take on a team they have only beaten once out of their last five attempts.
Slot could also rest some players but the visit of the Cottagers to Anfield is quite an important one for Liverpool in the race to secure Champions League football for next season.
They currently sit fifth but Chelsea, Brentford, Everton, Fulham, Brighton and Sunderland are all no less than six points behind.
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