Eighteen Senegalese supporters were sentenced by a Moroccan court to prison terms between three months and one year after being detained for their involvement in incidents that occurred during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final in mid-January. The supporters faced charges of hooliganism, which included violence against law enforcement, vandalism of sports equipment, storming the pitch, and throwing projectiles.

The judicial proceedings revealed the serious nature of the offenses attributed to the supporters, which had implications not only for the individuals involved but also for the image of Senegalese football fans abroad. Earlier on the day of the sentencing, prosecutors had requested sentences of up to two years for those accused, indicating the perceived severity of the incidents by Moroccan authorities.

This case underscores the ongoing issues of violence and disorder that can accompany large sporting events, particularly in international contexts. It also highlights the legal ramifications for fans who engage in such behavior and the potential strain it places on diplomatic relations between involved nations, especially in a volatile context like sports where national pride is at stake.