A Moroccan court on Thursday sentenced 18 Senegalese football fans to prison terms ranging from three to 12 months following charges of hooliganism during last month’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final.
The defendants had been in pre-trial detention since 18 January, the day Senegal secured a 1-0 victory over hosts Morocco in a highly charged final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Nine supporters received one-year sentences and were fined 5,000 dirhams ($545), while six others were handed six-month terms with a 2,000-dirham fine ($218), as three other fans were sentenced to three months and fined 1,000 dirhams ($109).
The prosecution, which had sought a maximum penalty of two years, argued that the group “deliberately sought to disrupt the proper conduct of the match” and committed “acts of violence broadcast live on television.”
The final was marred by controversy and prolonged stoppages, as chaotic scenes erupted late in regulation time after a contentious penalty was awarded to Morocco following a VAR review. Senegal players, who were incensed by the decision, surrounded the referee and halted play for nearly 20 minutes in protest.
During the unrest, some Senegalese supporters attempted a pitch invasion while others threw objects, including chairs, onto the field. Players from both teams briefly walked off the pitch before returning after intervention by security personnel and match officials.
While the prosecution relied on stadium surveillance footage and medical reports of injuries among security forces, the defence team maintained the innocence of the fans.
“The footage does not contain irrefutable proof showing that any one of them struck or assaulted anyone,” lawyer Naima El Guellaf told the court.
Defence lawyer Patrick Kabou described the verdict as “incomprehensible,” stating that his clients were “victims.” The defence has confirmed it will file an appeal against the sentences.