RABAT, Morocco — A Moroccan court has sentenced 19 soccer fans to prison terms of up to one year following a violent incident during the Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal, where fans attempted to storm the field.
After a hearing that extended over five hours, the judge found the 19 fans—18 from Senegal and one French national—guilty on multiple counts, including vandalism of sporting venues and violent behavior at a sporting event.
Eleven defendants received one-year prison sentences accompanied by a fine of $550; four were given six-month sentences with a $218 fine; and the last four received three-month sentences and fines of $130, as informed by lawyer Naima El Guellaf to The Associated Press.
One defendant collapsed upon hearing the judgment, while others resisted when instructed to exit to the holding area. Family members, visibly distressed, claimed the accused were innocent.
Their legal team plans to appeal the ruling, which they deem excessively harsh.
The fans were apprehended last month after angry supporters attempted to storm the pitch while protesting a late penalty awarded to Morocco during the final, ultimately won by Senegal 1-0. They remained in custody for over a month awaiting trial.
During Thursday’s proceedings, which were attended by diplomats from Senegal and France along with family members, the defense argued that the court lacked adequate evidence to convict their clients.
The public prosecutor sought heavy penalties for the fans, asserting that their actions disrupted the match’s orderly conduct. He noted that the damages amounted to over $476,719.
Morocco has faced persistent challenges with soccer-related violence, and its courts frequently handle such cases. However, this incident was notable as it involved only foreign nationals.
The convictions represent the latest twist following a final that led senior officials in both nations to call for peace and unity amid rising social media tensions and what Moroccan human rights organizations termed “hate speech.”
Last month, the African soccer authority (CAF) imposed $1 million in fines and sanctions against Senegal and Morocco due to the incident. Morocco has announced plans to appeal, arguing that the penalties were disproportionate to the events that unfolded.
The match was marred by incidents, including Senegalese players leaving the field in protest against a penalty awarded to Morocco during stoppage time. Furious Senegalese fans threw chairs onto the field and clashed with stewards until police intervened.
The outcome and controversy surrounding the match prompted high officials from both nations to reaffirm their diplomatic and economic connections, which they described as “strong and historic,” while striving to prevent the event from harming bilateral relations.