Three Senegalese Supporters Released from Prison After AFCON Incident
In a significant development following the unrest during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, three Senegalese fans were released from a Moroccan prison on Saturday after completing a three-month sentence for their involvement in the violent incidents that marred the match. An AFP journalist reported that the supporters were freed from Al Arjat 2 prison, located northeast of Rabat, and were transported in a gendarmerie vehicle to a nearby police station in Salé before being officially set free.
Upon their release, the supporters were greeted warmly by representatives from the Senegalese embassy. One of the released fans expressed his joy by proclaiming, “Dima Maroc, dima Maghrib,” which translates to “long live Morocco” in the local dialect, showcasing a spirit of solidarity despite the circumstances surrounding their detention.
In the same case, it is noteworthy that 15 additional Senegalese fans are currently serving sentences ranging from six months to one year, with their sentences being upheld on appeal this past Monday. These fans had been detained since the chaos that ensued during the final on January 18, where they faced charges of “hooliganism.” This term encompassed various acts of violence, including assaults on law enforcement, damage to sports equipment, pitch invasions, and the throwing of projectiles.
Additionally, a French individual of Algerian descent was also released on the same day after serving three months for throwing a water bottle during the contentious final. The match itself was fraught with tension; in the dying moments, the referee awarded a penalty to Morocco, following a controversial disallowance of a goal scored by Senegal. This decision led to outrage among the Senegalese players, resulting in several of them leaving the field, which only exacerbated the chaos. Some fans attempted to storm the pitch and threw objects in protest.
Ultimately, order was restored, and the Senegalese players returned to the field. Moroccan striker Brahim Diaz missed the crucial penalty, allowing Senegal to clinch victory with a goal from Pape Gueye in extra time, securing a 1-0 win.
In the aftermath of these events, Senegal has challenged the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision made on March 17 to award the 2025 AFCON title to Morocco by forfeit, taking the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). This ongoing saga reflects the intense emotions and rivalries present within African football.
As reported by kbc.co.ke.
