On January 18, it was in chaos that the final of the African Cup of Nations took place and ended in Rabat, with Senegal’s victory over Morocco after extra time (1-0). Before this outcome, the Atlas Lions had the opportunity to close the debates with a penalty obtained in the last moments of regulation time (a penalty ultimately missed by Brahim Diaz) – an event which ignited the powder in the stands.
While the Lions of Teranga had just seen a potentially valid goal disallowed, this penalty awarded to Morocco provoked the ire of the Senegalese players and supporters, some of whom then took over the edge of the pitch to fight with the stewards. 18 arrests were then made, resulting in prison sentences ranging from three months to one year.
15 inmates pardoned
Three supporters served their sentences in full and were released last month, but 15 of them remained detained. A detention lifted this Saturday by the King of Morocco Mohammed VI. “ Given the centuries-old fraternal relations which link the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Senegal, and on the occasion of the advent of Eid al-Adha, His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist him, was kind enough to grant, for human considerations, his royal pardon to the Senegalese supporters convicted for offenses committed during the African Cup of Nations competitions », We can read today in a press release from the royal cabinet.
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye reacted to the news on social media: “ Our compatriots held in Morocco following incidents that occurred on the sidelines of the African Cup of Nations are free. They will soon find their loved ones, by the Royal Grace that His Majesty King Mohammed VI was kind enough to grant them on the occasion of Eid el-Kébir. I extend to His Majesty my most sincere thanks for this decision marked by clemency and humanity. Senegal and Morocco cultivate an ancient brotherhood, which this gesture, once again, honors. »
