Rabat, Morocco – The euphoria of an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) victory has been overshadowed by stern legal consequences for a group of Senegalese football supporters. A Moroccan court in Rabat has handed down prison sentences ranging from three months to one year to 18 Senegalese fans, found guilty of vandalism and violence that marred the contentious AFCON final on January 18.
The Tense Final and the Outbreak of Unrest
The match itself was a cauldron of emotion, culminating in a narrow 1-0 victory for Senegal over host nation Morocco. However, the triumph was tainted by widespread unrest that erupted following a pivotal moment in the game. Reports indicate that a legitimate penalty awarded to Morocco ignited a furious protest among some Senegalese supporters.
For a tense 15 minutes, the final was brought to a standstill. During this chaotic period, some fans attempted to storm the pitch, while others hurled projectiles, including chairs, onto the field. These interruptions severely disrupted Morocco’s momentum, with many observers believing it cost the Atlas Lions their chance at securing the coveted trophy on home soil. Authorities swiftly intervened to restore order, leading to the arrests that culminated in Thursday’s verdict.
Justice in Rabat: Sentences Handed Down
The 18 defendants, who have been in custody since the final, faced charges of “hooliganism,” encompassing acts of violence against law enforcement officers, vandalism of sports facilities, throwing projectiles, and attempting to invade the pitch. While Moroccan law allows for a maximum sentence of two years for such offenses, the court’s ruling was notably more lenient than the prosecution’s initial request for up to two years for each accused. Despite the evidence, the defendants maintained their innocence throughout the proceedings.
Wider Repercussions: CAF Steps In
Beyond the individual sentences, the chaotic final prompted significant action from the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Both the Senegalese and Moroccan federations faced sanctions for multiple violations related to supporter behavior and actions by team officials and players. Senegal’s federation was fined a substantial $615,000, while Morocco’s received a $315,000 penalty.
Individual punishments were also meted out: Senegal coach Pape Bouna Thiaw received a five-match suspension and a $100,000 fine. Two key Senegalese players, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaïla Sarr, were each banned for two matches. Critically, many observers, including a CAF executive, deemed the sanctions against Senegal to be disproportionately light given the severity of the incidents, with one executive controversially stating that Morocco was “robbed” of its victory. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges of maintaining order and sportsmanship in high-stakes international football tournaments.
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