The Senegalese Football Federation condemned the sentencing of 18 Senegalese football fans in Morocco on Friday, calling it “incomprehensibly harsh.” The fans were handed prison terms ranging from three to 12 months on Thursday for alleged hooliganism during last month’s Africa Cup of Nations final.
The group had been held in pre-trial detention since January 18, the day of the tense AFCON final in which Morocco lost 1-0 to Senegal on home soil.
Near the end of the match, some Senegalese supporters tried to invade the pitch, while Senegal’s players paused the game for nearly 20 minutes to protest a late penalty awarded to Morocco.
Several fans were also seen throwing objects onto the field, including a chair.
The defendants were tried in Rabat on charges of hooliganism, which encompassed violent behavior, particularly against law enforcement, damage to sports equipment, pitch invasion, and throwing projectiles.
“We express our profound dismay and distress following the verdict” Bacary Cisse, president of the FSF’s communications committee, told AFP. “This incomprehensibly harsh decision has provoked widespread outrage”, he added.
Nine supporters were sentenced to one year in prison and fined 5 000 dirhams ($545), six others received six months and a fine of 2 000 dirhams and three were sentenced to three months with a fine of 1 000 dirhams.
“Clashes occur in numerous stadiums around the world, including every weekend in Morocco, without resulting in such sanctions”, Cisse said. “The treatment of these supporters therefore appears disproportionate”.
Defence lawyer Patrick Kabou described the verdict Thursday as “incomprehensible,” saying his clients were “victims”.