Three Senegalese football supporters have been released from a Moroccan prison after serving three month sentences for their role in the violence that erupted during the Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat.
The three men walked out of Al Arjat 2 prison east of Rabat on Saturday April 18 2026. They were taken to a police station near Salé before their formal release. When they emerged, smiling and visibly relieved, they were greeted by officials from the Senegalese embassy. One of the freed supporters told an AFP journalist: “Dima Maroc, dima Maghrib,” which means long live Morocco, long live the Maghreb.
The three were among 18 Senegalese fans originally arrested and convicted of hooliganism following the chaotic final on January 18 2025. On February 19 2026 a Rabat court handed down sentences ranging from three months to one year. The three men released this weekend were the shortest term prisoners and have now completed their full custodial terms.
The remaining 15 supporters are still behind bars. They are serving sentences of six months to one year that were upheld on appeal on April 13 2026. Nine of them received one year prison terms plus a fine of 5,000 dirhams which is about 460 euros. The other six got six month sentences with fines of 2,000 dirhams or about 180 euros. The charges include acts of violence against law enforcement, pitch invasion, throwing projectiles, and damaging stadium equipment.
During their appeal hearing, the defendants insisted they had done nothing wrong. They said they were forced onto the pitch by a surge in the crowd or were trying to escape spitting and objects being thrown at them.
The violence had an explosive start. In the closing moments of the final, the referee awarded Morocco a controversial penalty and disallowed a goal by Senegal. Outraged by the decisions, several Senegalese players walked off the pitch, delaying the game by 15 minutes. Some Senegalese fans tried to invade the pitch and threw projectiles. When play finally resumed, Morocco striker Brahim Diaz missed the penalty, and Senegal went on to win 1-0 in extra time.
The Moroccan Football Federation has since appealed to the Confederation of African Football over the match outcome, but Senegal’s victory stands. The prison releases have brought some relief to families in Senegal, though attention now turns to the 15 supporters still awaiting their freedom.
About The Author
Leave a comment