Firmness until the end. The Rabat Court of Appeal issued its verdict on Monday, confirming the prison sentences handed down to the 18 Senegalese fans following the incidents that occurred during the final of the 2025 African Cup of Nations. Although the prosecution requested an increase in penalties, the judges chose to uphold the initial sentences handed down at first instance.
Detained since 18 January, the date of the controversial final between Morocco and Senegal, these supporters faced charges of hooliganism, violence against the police and damage to sports equipment. In detail, nine of them remain sentenced to one year in prison, while the other nine will serve sentences ranging from three to six months. Fines ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 dirhams (90 to 460 euros) accompany these sentences.
Crowd movements as a defense
During the hearing, the accused firmly proclaimed their innocence. Speaking mostly in Wolof, they argued that their irruption on the pitch was not a protest against arbitration, but a security measure to escape from crowd movements and projectile throwing in the stands.
On its part, the defense, represented by Mr. Patrick Kabou, took note of the verdict while regretting that the prosecution did not, according to it, provide any material evidence to support the charges. "The prosecution could not provide any evidence of these accusations," he lamented to AFP.
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Philemon MBALE
Rédacteur sportif
Passionné de sport depuis toujours, partage avec vous les dernières actualités et analyses du monde sportif.