On Thursday, Moroccan prosecutors requested sentences of up to two years for 18 Senegalese fans who were arrested in connection to riots that occurred during the contentious Africa Cup of Nations final held in January. The case was brought to a local court in Rabat, where the public prosecutor stated that the accused deliberately disrupted the game and engaged in acts of violence that were broadcast live on television. The charges of "rioting" involve violent actions, particularly against security forces, destruction of sports equipment, storming the field, and throwing projectiles.

These Senegalese supporters have denied any wrongdoing during the match. The incidents occurred on January 18, when Senegal triumphed over the Moroccan national team in a 1-0 victory after extra time in a final marked by chaos. The conflict erupted following the awarding of a controversial penalty to Morocco in stoppage time and the annulment of a Senegal goal, which fueled further tensions among the fans present at the stadium.

The case highlights the ongoing challenges sports events face in terms of crowd control and public safety, especially in high-stakes matches such as international finals. The potential sentencing of the Senegalese fans raises questions about the measures taken against unrest in sporting contexts and the implications for international relations, particularly between Morocco and Senegal, given the sensitive nature of fan culture in football.