Paris Saint-Germain's sporting director Luis Campos has faced backlash after suggesting the club's Ligue 1 match against Lens should be postponed due to the Hillsborough anniversary affecting Champions League scheduling. Campos told RMC that PSG requested the April 11 fixture be moved, as it falls between the two legs of their Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool, which were rescheduled because Liverpool cannot play on April 15, the anniversary of the 1989 disaster.
Lens has opposed the postponement, with the club criticising what it sees as a trend of prioritising European ambitions over domestic competition. In a statement, Lens argued that changing the date would disrupt their schedule and undermine sporting equity, stating: 'It does indeed appear to us that a troubling sentiment is taking hold: that of a French championship gradually relegated to the status of an adjustment variable.'
Liverpool fans online condemned Campos's remarks, with one calling them 'deplorable' and accusing PSG of using the tragedy for 'pathetic football politics'. The All Things Liverpool account described the comments as 'astonishing' and 'disgusting'. The Reds are scheduled to play Fulham on the same day as PSG's proposed fixture.
Campos defended the request, saying PSG's position is the result of 'great reflection' and aims to benefit French football. He added that PSG would not have sought the change had UEFA chosen different dates. The Ligue de Football Professionnel board is set to decide on the matter on Thursday.
