The Senegalese Football Federation has denounced the sentencing of 18 Senegalese football supporters in Morocco following incidents during last month’s Africa Cup of Nations final.
The fans were convicted in Rabat on hooliganism-related charges and handed prison terms ranging from three months to one year. They had been in pre-trial detention since January 18, the day Senegal defeated Morocco 1–0 in a tense final played on Moroccan soil.
According to supersport, nine supporters were sentenced to one year in prison and fined 5,000 dirhams (approximately $545). Six others received six-month jail terms along with fines of 2,000 dirhams, while three were handed three-month sentences and fined 1,000 dirhams.
The charges included acts of violence, particularly against law enforcement, damage to sports equipment, pitch invasion and throwing projectiles. The unrest occurred late in the match after Morocco were awarded a controversial penalty. Senegal’s players protested the decision, halting play for nearly 20 minutes.
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During the disruption, some Senegalese supporters attempted to invade the pitch, while others threw objects onto the field, including a chair.
Bacary Cissé, president of the federation’s communications committee, expressed “profound dismay and distress” over the ruling, describing the decision as “incomprehensibly harsh.” He argued that clashes occur in stadiums worldwide, including regularly in Morocco, without resulting in similar sanctions, suggesting the punishment appeared disproportionate.
Defence lawyer Patrick Kabou also criticised the verdict, calling it incomprehensible and maintaining that his clients were victims.
The sentencing has sparked debate over the handling of fan disorder at major tournaments and the severity of disciplinary measures imposed in this case.
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