Senegal football federation denounces verdict in Morocco against fans | Africa Cup of Nations News
Eighteen Senegalese Fans Sentenced in Morocco Following AFCON Final Incident
RABAT, Morocco (AP) — Eighteen Senegalese football fans were sentenced to prison terms ranging from three to twelve months after being detained during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Morocco on January 18. The sentence, announced on Thursday, has drawn criticism from the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), which labeled it “incomprehensibly harsh.”
The group had been in pre-trial detention since the day of the match, during which Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0 on the latter’s home turf. The contest experienced significant tensions, culminating in some Senegalese fans attempting to invade the pitch. Senegal’s players also paused the game for nearly 20 minutes to voice their objections to a late penalty awarded to Morocco.
According to reports, certain fans threw objects, including a chair, onto the field during the match. The detainees faced charges of hooliganism, which encompassed acts of violence, damage to sports equipment, pitch invasion, and assault against law enforcement.
“We express our profound dismay and distress following the verdict,” said Bacary Cisse, head of the FSF’s communications committee. “This incomprehensibly harsh decision has provoked widespread outrage.”
The sentences included one year in prison and a fine of 5,000 dirhams ($545) for nine supporters. Six received six-month sentences and fines of 2,000 dirhams ($218), while three were sentenced to three months and fined 1,000 dirhams ($109).
Cisse criticized the disparity in how incidents in sports venues are treated, noting, “Clashes occur in numerous stadiums around the world, including every weekend in Morocco, without resulting in such sanctions.”
Defense attorney Patrick Kabou described the verdict as “incomprehensible,” asserting that his clients are “victims” rather than instigators.
