RABAT, Morocco — On Thursday, a Moroccan court sentenced 19 soccer fans to prison terms of up to one year for hooliganism related to a tumultuous Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal, during which supporters attempted to invade the field.
Following a hearing that extended beyond five hours, the judge determined that the fans — 18 from Senegal and one from France — were guilty of multiple offenses, including vandalism of sports facilities and engaging in violence at a sporting event.
Eleven individuals received one-year prison sentences along with a $550 fine. Four others were given six-month sentences with a $218 fine, while the last four were sentenced to three months and a $130 fine, according to lawyer Naima El Guellaf, who spoke to The Associated Press.
One defendant collapsed upon hearing the verdicts. Others declined to stand when instructed to proceed through the small door leading to the holding cells. Family members, visibly distressed, maintained that their loved ones were innocent.
Lawyers indicated their intention to appeal the ruling, which they consider harsh.
The defendants were detained last month after frustrated supporters attempted to storm the pitch in protest of a late penalty awarded to host Morocco during the final, which Senegal ultimately won 1-0. They remained in custody for over a month while awaiting the verdict.
During the hearing on Thursday, which was attended by diplomats from Senegal and France as well as relatives of several defendants, attorneys contended that the court lacked adequate evidence to convict their clients.
The public prosecutor sought the maximum penalties for the fans, asserting that they had disrupted the orderly conduct of the match. He also noted that the estimated damage exceeded $476,719.
Morocco has faced ongoing issues with soccer-related hooliganism, and courts in the North African country frequently deal with cases linked to such incidents. However, this case was notable as it involved solely foreign nationals.
The sentences represent the latest development arising from a final that led senior officials in both nations to advocate for peace and unity amid social media tensions and a rise in what Moroccan human rights organizations termed “hate speech.”
Last month, CAF, the African soccer governing body, imposed $1 million in fines and bans on Senegal and Morocco due to the chaotic match. Morocco announced plans to appeal this decision, viewing the penalties as excessive in relation to the events.
The match was overshadowed by Senegalese players leaving the field in protest of a penalty awarded to Morocco during stoppage time. Frustrated Senegalese fans hurled chairs onto the field and clashed with stewards until police intervened.
The match and its aftermath prompted senior officials in both countries to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties, which they characterized as “strong and historic,” in an effort to prevent the game from negatively impacting bilateral relations.
