On Thursday February 22, Lens were eliminated from the Europa League after losing 2-3 after extra time in Freiburg. A disillusioning result given that the Sang et Or were leading 2-0. Disgruntled fans lashed out at a number of players, including Massadio Haïdara. They flooded their social networks with insults. The Malian, judged guilty for the 2nd German goal, was the target of these fans' anger to such an extent that he had to close down his social networks.
"We're not going to change the criticism against anyone. It's no big deal. There are some brave fools behind their screens. I'm always with my players. They're not cheaters, they're guys who give their all. I'm the guarantor of those values," declared Lens coach Franck Haise. It should be noted that Massadio Haïdara injured his thigh in this action.
