RC Lens holds charity friendly for journalist detained in Algeria
RC Lens played a charity friendly match against French third-tier side Rouen on Saturday, dedicating the fixture and its proceeds to the campaign for the release of journalist Christophe Gleizes. The Ligue 1 side, currently second in France's top flight, won the encounter 2-1 at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis in front of thousands of supporters. The event was organized to support Gleizes, a journalist who has been detained in Algeria for 286 days.
The match was a show of solidarity from the football community, with Lens fielding a strong side including Florian Thauvin, Adrien Thomasson, and Allan Saint-Maximin. Before kickoff, Gleizes's mother, Sylvie, and stepfather, Francis, were given a ceremonial start and presented with a jersey of club legend Éric Sikora. All proceeds from the match are to be transferred to Reporters Without Borders, which is actively working for Gleizes's release.
The game itself was a competitive affair. Lens broke the deadlock in the 56th minute when Wesley Saïd converted a penalty after a handball by Rouen's Emric Goumot. Andrija Bulatovic doubled the lead just four minutes later with a curled free-kick from a wide position. Rouen, a National division team, responded with a well-worked goal in the 77th minute, finished by Valentin Fuss after a fine pass from Samuel Renel, but could not find an equalizer.
The primary focus of the day, however, remained firmly on Gleizes. The journalist is known for his work, including a notable report on street football in South Africa. The club stated the event was to 'maintain hope' for his swift liberation and return to the sidelines of the sport he loves. Lens manager Franck Haise and other figures in French football have previously voiced their support for the detained reporter.
For RC Lens, the match served as a meaningful break from their intense Ligue 1 campaign, where they are chasing a Champions League qualification spot. It provided minutes for squad players and first-team regulars in a unique, cause-driven atmosphere. The club's decision to host such an event underscores the broader role football institutions can play in raising awareness for humanitarian and press freedom causes. The result on the pitch was secondary to the unified message sent from the Stade Bollaert-Delelis.
