Senegal Football Federation Denounces Verdict Against Fans in Morocco

Eighteen Senegalese fans have been sentenced to prison terms ranging from three to 12 months in Morocco. The group, who had been in pre-trial detention since January 18, was charged with hooliganism following the Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Morocco.

During the match, some Senegalese supporters attempted a pitch invasion and threw objects onto the field, including a chair. The incident occurred towards the end of the game, which ended in a 1-0 victory for Senegal. Senegal’s players also halted the game for nearly 20 minutes to protest against a late penalty awarded to Morocco.

The defendants were prosecuted in Rabat on charges that included acts of violence, damage to sports equipment, pitch invasion, and throwing projectiles. The court handed down sentences ranging from one year in prison and a fine of $545 to three months with a fine of $109.

The Senegalese Football Federation has expressed its dismay over the verdict, stating that it is “incomprehensibly harsh”. The federation’s communications committee president, Bacary Cisse, described the decision as “prolonged outrage” among fans. Defence lawyer Patrick Kabou also expressed surprise at the verdict, calling his clients “victims”.

The court’s decision has sparked debate about the treatment of supporters in Morocco. According to the FSF, clashes occur regularly in stadiums around the world without resulting in such sanctions.

Source: Al Jazeera