Morocco Jails Senegal Fans After AFCON Final Incident

Morocco Sentences 18 Senegalese Football Fans to Prison Terms

In a recent development, 18 Senegalese football fans have been sentenced to prison terms ranging from three months to one year, along with fines of up to 5,000 dirhams. The sentences were handed down last Thursday following disturbances at the Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat.

The incidents occurred on January 19, during the match between Senegal and Morocco, when fans attempted to enter the field of play in protest against a late penalty award to the host nation. As a result, 18 people were arrested and charged with hooliganism and violence against security officials.

Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has condemned the jailing of his country’s football fans, stating that “things should not have gone this far” between two countries that call each other friends. The Senegal Football Association had also expressed concerns over the severity of the sentences, describing them as “incomprehensibly harsh”.

The 18 fans have denied any wrongdoing and have not appealed their sentence. However, they will seek a royal pardon from Morocco’s King Mohammed VI. Defence lawyer Patrick Kabou has stated that his clients are “victims” and are still awaiting the charges against them.

In response to the sentencing, Sonko announced that Senegal will request that the supporters serve their sentences in their own country if a royal pardon is not granted. The incident occurred during the Africa Cup of Nations final, which was eventually won by Senegal after the match resumed following the players’ protest.

Source: Al Jazeera