Rabat– A Moroccan court on Thursday sentenced 18 Senegalese supporters to prison terms ranging from three months to one year over their involvement in vandalism and violence during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Rabat, according to reports by French newspaper Le Parisien
The defendants had been in custody since the January 18 final and were prosecuted on charges of “hooliganism.”
The ruling was more lenient than the prosecution’s request earlier in the day, which had sought prison sentences of up to two years for each of the accused.
The charges include acts of violence, particularly against law enforcement officers, vandalism to sports facilities, throwing projectiles, and attempting to invade the pitch. Under Moroccan law, these offenses can carry a maximum sentence of two years in prison. The accused denied committing any wrongdoing during the match.
The incidents took place during a tense final in Rabat, experienced where Senegal secured a 1-0 and Morocco suffered in heartbreak.
The acts of vandalism took place after a referee awarded Morocco a legitimate penalty.
Unrest broke out among some supporters in protest For nearly 15 minutes, the game was paused and Senegalese fans attempted to storm the pitch, while others threw objects, including at least one chair, toward the field.
The interruptions disrupted Morocco’s rhythm, costing the Atlas Lions their chance to secure the trophy on home soil.
Authorities intervened to restore order, leading to the arrests that resulted in Thursday’s verdict. The case has drawn attention amid heightened security measures surrounding major sporting events hosted in Morocco.
CAF announced sanctions against Senegal and Morocco after the chaotic final in Rabat. Senegal coach Pape Bouna Thiaw received a five-match suspension and a $100,000 fine.
Observers emphasized that the sanctions against Senegal were light compared to the severity of the situation. One CAF executive recently also condemned the outcome, saying Morocco was “robbed”.
Two Senegal players, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaïla Sarr, were each banned for two matches. CAF also fined Senegal’s federation $615,000 and Morocco’s federation $315,000 for multiple violations linked to supporter behavior and actions by team officials and players.