Due to a busy schedule around their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal matchup with Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has requested a postponement of their pivotal Ligue 1 match against RC Lens.
Three days after hosting Liverpool in the first leg and three days prior to the rematch at Anfield, the league leaders are scheduled to travel to Lens on Saturday, April 11.
On the same day, Liverpool will play Fulham in the Premier League.
Lens has clearly stated its position. The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) request has been vehemently rejected by the championship rivals, who are vying for their first league title since 1998.
The club cautioned against what they called a “troubling sentiment” should the match be rescheduled in a scathing statement.
The statement said, “Beyond this particular case, the question raised is a more fundamental one: that of the respect due to the competition itself.”
“One is entitled to wonder when, on its own soil, the league occasionally appears to be relegated to second place behind other ambitions, no matter how legitimate they may be.”
Lens, who are in second place, are only one point behind PSG, which increases the importance of the match. Following his team’s 5-1 victory over Angers, head coach Pierre Sage also expressed his disapproval.
When PSG’s domestic match against Nantes was postponed in the previous round against Chelsea, they took a similar action. After that, Luis Enrique’s team easily advanced, winning 8-2 overall.
The LFP, which has stated it is willing to assist French clubs participating in Europe, has the last say.
In addition, RC Strasbourg has asked to reschedule their league trip to Brest because it conflicts with their Conference League matchup with Mainz.
