Lens Throws Support Behind Imprisoned Journalist in Charity Match
Lens hosted a charity match against Rouen on Saturday, dedicating the friendly to the campaign for the release of French journalist Christophe Gleizes, who is imprisoned in Algeria. The match, which took place at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis, was organized following the postponement of a Ligue 1 fixture against Paris Saint-Germain. The event was broadcast on Ligue 1+ and saw manager Franck Haise field a strong starting eleven, including high-profile stars.
The match was arranged to maintain the team's competitive rhythm ahead of the season's final stretch, with the club also using the occasion to raise awareness for Gleizes's case. The journalist, a former writer for French football magazine So Foot, has been detained in Algeria since September 2023.
Manager Franck Haise named a strong starting lineup for the occasion, featuring experienced internationals. The starting eleven included key attacking players Florian Thauvin and Allan Saint-Maximin, as well as midfielder Adrien Thomasson. Their inclusion in the starting lineup demonstrates the club's commitment to the cause and the importance of the fixture.
Thauvin, a World Cup winner with France, joined Lens in the summer of 2023 and has been a key creative force. His presence, alongside the dynamic Saint-Maximin, provided the star power for the event. The match served as a vital training exercise for Lens, who remain in contention for the Ligue 1 title, as they prepare for the final stretch of the season.
The club's official social media account shared the starting lineup an hour before kickoff, generating significant interest among supporters. The proceeds from the match will be directed towards the campaign for Gleizes's release. This initiative highlights the football community's support for press freedom and the role of sports in raising awareness for social causes. For Lens, the match provided valuable match fitness and tactical preparation ahead of the crucial final matches in their pursuit of the championship.
