Legal Proceedings Against Senegalese Supporters Following CAN 2025 Incident
In a significant legal development, the Moroccan judiciary has requested prison sentences of up to two years for eighteen Senegalese supporters charged with hooliganism. This case stems from violent incidents that erupted during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2025 final held in Rabat, where Senegal emerged victorious with a narrow 1-0 win over Morocco. The supporters appeared in court on appeal, vehemently denying any involvement in the alleged violence that marred the match. The prosecution has insisted on harsher penalties, a move that reflects the seriousness with which authorities are treating incidents of sports-related violence.
Initially, on February 19, the defendants received sentences ranging from three months to one year of imprisonment. Since the events of the match, they have remained in custody, facing accusations that include acts of violence, vandalism of sporting equipment, pitch invasions, and the throwing of projectiles. During their testimony, many of the accused claimed, through a translator, that they were swept onto the field by a crowd surge or were fleeing from assaults in the stands. They specifically mentioned instances of spitting and objects being hurled at them, asserting that they had no intention to protest against any referee decisions.
The incidents leading to these charges occurred on January 18, during a highly charged match that saw Morocco awarded a controversial penalty in stoppage time, shortly after a goal by Senegal was disallowed. This decision sparked chaos, with attempts to invade the pitch and aggressive actions from the crowd. In the latest court proceedings, the defense requested the release of video evidence that the prosecution claims supports their case, aiming to clearly identify the individuals responsible for the violence. However, this request was denied by the prosecution, which argued that the offense was captured live and is evident in the public domain, thus dismissing the need for further evidence to establish guilt.
Legal representatives, including notable lawyers Naïma El Guellaf and Patrick Kabou, have expressed concerns about the potential misidentification of the offenders. They argue that the true culprits may not be among those currently facing trial, highlighting the complexities of attributing blame in such chaotic situations. As the court continues to deliberate, the outcome of this case could set a precedent for how sports-related violence is handled in Morocco, particularly in the context of international events.
As reported by yabiladi.com.
