Lens fans banned from Liverpool match for throwing flares vs. Brugge

NYON, Switzerland -- Fans of Ligue 1 club Lens were banned from buying tickets for a Champions League game at Liverpool by a UEFA disciplinary ruling on Tuesday.

Lens fans lit dozens of flares and threw some toward rival supporters and the field, forcing the team's Champions League game at Club Brugge last week to be stopped briefly. Lens lost 3-0.

The club already were on probation by UEFA for fans lighting flares and fireworks at a previous Champions League game at Slavia Prague in September.

UEFA said its appeals judges imposed a ban on Lens selling tickets to fans for two Champions League away games.

The sanction will be served when Lens play at Leipzig on Nov. 24 and at Liverpool at Anfield on Jan. 27. A third game ban is deferred for a two-year probationary period.

UEFA said Lens were fined €80,000 ($89,000) for charges of "lighting and throwing of pyrotechnics as well as for acts of damage."