Lens win charity friendly for detained journalist Gleizes
RC Lens hosted a charity friendly against FC Rouen on Saturday, securing a 2-1 victory in a match dedicated to the release of journalist Christophe Gleizes. The friendly, held at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis, was organized to raise funds and awareness for Gleizes, a French journalist who has been detained in Algeria for 286 days. The event was organized by the club and Reporters Without Borders, with proceeds from the match being donated to the organization to support its efforts to secure Gleizes' release.
The match, which saw Lens field a strong side, was attended by Gleizes's mother and stepfather, who were given a special RC Lens jersey and the honorary kick-off. The game remained scoreless until the second half, when Lens was awarded a penalty. Wesley Said calmly converted the spot-kick in the 56th minute to give the hosts the lead. Just four minutes later, Andrija Bulatovic doubled the advantage with a superb curled free-kick from a wide position, leaving the Rouen goalkeeper with no chance.
Rouen, a National-level side, fought back and were rewarded with a well-worked goal in the 77th minute. Samuel Renel played a superb through ball to set up Valentin Fuss, who finished neatly to make it 2-1. Despite a late push from the visitors, Lens held on for a win in a match that was competitive but played in a spirit of solidarity. The result was secondary, however, to the primary cause of the day.
Lens, currently second in Ligue 1, used the match to maintain match fitness and provide minutes for squad players. The event served as a poignant reminder of the power of football to unite and advocate for a cause. The club and its supporters sent a powerful message of solidarity, with the players wearing special shirts in support of Gleizes. The match proceeds will be directed to Reporters Without Borders to aid their work in advocating for press freedom and the release of detained journalists like Gleizes, who is well-known for his work on a documentary about street football in South Africa.
