Pape Matar Sarr, a midfielder for the Senegalese national team and Tottenham Hotspur, has expressed his full support for the 18 Senegalese fans who have been detained in Morocco since the Africa Cup of Nations final on January 18, 2025. In a message posted on X, Sarr described their continued detention as unfair and called for their immediate release, emphasizing that these fans have committed no crime other than passionately supporting their team.

The fans were arrested in Rabat during the final match between Senegal and Morocco after a series of incidents related to unrest. The Moroccan authorities have faced scrutiny over the handling of the situation, with Sarr criticizing the duration of their detention and highlighting the emotional and cultural significance of supporting a national team in such significant sporting events. He reiterated the unjust nature of keeping fans in custody while expressing strong solidarity with his fellow citizens.

The Moroccan prosecution's refusal to approve temporary release for the detained fans has added to the tensions surrounding this case. The message from Sarr sheds light on the ongoing challenges faced by fans and the broader implications of sporting events sometimes leading to unexpected legal consequences. This issue not only affects those imprisoned but also stirs debates on fan behavior, police response, and the treatment of sports supporters in the region.