Senegal Fans Jailed Over AFCON Final Chaos in Morocco

Senegalese Football Fans Await Court Decision on Conviction

A Moroccan court has upheld prison sentences for 18 Senegalese football supporters convicted of hooliganism following a pitch invasion during the Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat in January. The fans, who were initially sentenced to terms ranging from three to 12 months, have denied any wrongdoing.

Prosecutors had sought stiffer penalties in the appeals court, but the initial sentences were upheld on Monday. The Senegalese supporters claimed they were forced onto the pitch due to a surging crowd or to avoid being spat upon and projectiles thrown towards them. They maintained that their actions were not related to protesting a refereeing decision at the end of the final.

The Senegalese government has expressed disappointment with the court’s decision, while the Confederation of African Football (CAF) had previously reversed Senegal’s win in the tournament. The Senegalese Football Federation is currently appealing the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Defence lawyers for the 18 Senegalese supporters have requested that videos of the incidents be shown in court to verify their identities. However, prosecutors have rejected this request, stating that the fans were caught in the act and that the world witnessed the events live.

The judge is yet to respond to the defence team’s request to replay the videos. Defence lawyers have acknowledged that there may have been mistakes during the incident, but emphasized that the individuals involved are currently in Senegal and are not present in court.

Source: Al Jazeera