Lens beat Lille in derby blighted by pitch invasion

PARIS - Lens defeated reigning French champions Lille 1-0 on Saturday in a northern derby overshadowed by a pitch invasion

that delayed the start of the second half by 30 minutes.

  Dozens of Lens supporters stormed the Stade Bollaert-Delelis pitch at half-
time to confront the visiting Lille fans nestled away in a corner of the
ground after tensions flared with other spectators.

  Riot police intervened to separate the factions of opposing supporters as
both sets of fans hurled seats at each other over a partition wall.

  "We're in the process of trying to get a clear view. It unfolded in some
confusion. Of course, any act of violence is condemned by Lens," said the
club's managing director Arnaud Pouille.

  "Unfortunately the region's image is affected by what happened."

  "I have a precise idea of the facts but I don't want to influence anyone,"
he added. "You've seen the images. There were some gestures that sparked
things and a reaction which is damaging."

  Six people sustained minor injuries and police made two arrests, according
to the Lens sub-prefect.

  The trouble comes the week after Nice were docked a point following the
ugly incidents that led to their August 22 home match with Marseille to be
abandoned.

  That game will be replayed at a neutral venue on October 27. Nice were also
ordered to play three matches behind closed doors.

  A clash between Montpellier and Marseille on the opening weekend of the
season was also interrupted for about 10 minutes after fans threw bottles
onto the pitch.

  "This start of the season is not going to help us. A reality check is
quickly needed for everyone involved in football, starting with supporters,"
tweeted French sports minister Roxana Maracineanu.

  - Fans must 'set an example' -

  Poland midfielder Przemyslaw Frankowski scored the winning goal on 74
minutes as Lens climbed up to second in Ligue 1, unbeaten through six games
and three points adrift of Paris Saint-Germain, who host Lyon on Sunday.

  "They told us there had been some incidents between supporters, for us to
focus on ourselves and that we would restart," said Lens goalkeeper Jean-
Louis Leca.

  "It's always annoying when supporters come to blows in a football stadium.
They too have to set an example because there are kids in the ground."

  Lille have won just once under new coach Jocelyn Gourvennec and lie 13th
with only five points.

  "I find the defeat harsh because we basically gave nothing away. We were
beaten by a half-chance," said Gourvennec, who replaced Christophe Galtier
following his move to Nice in the summer.

  "We're falling behind in the championship by dropping points. We've got to
do more."

  South Korea forward Hwang Ui-jo scored twice to earn Bordeaux their first
win of the season -- a 2-1 victory away to fellow strugglers Saint-Etienne.

  Hwang's opening goal was cancelled out by Wahbi Khazri, but he ensured
Bordeaux moved off the foot of the table with the winner 10 minutes from
time.

  Bordeaux rose to 14th, level on points with Lille, leaving Saint-Etienne
second from bottom and one of just three clubs yet to win in the French top flight this term, along with Brest and Metz.BSS/AFP