Large crowds gathered in Dakar on Saturday to demand the release of 18 Senegalese football supporters imprisoned in Rabat following disturbances at January’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final.
Protesters marched through the Senegalese capital waving national flags and holding placards with messages such as “Free the hostages,” according to AFP correspondents. The demonstration was organised in response to sentences handed down earlier this month by a Moroccan court.
On February 19, the 18 fans were convicted of hooliganism and received prison terms ranging from three months to one year.
The unrest occurred late in the final when Morocco were awarded a penalty. Some Senegal supporters reportedly clashed with security officials while attempting to access the pitch.
Nine of those convicted were sentenced to one year in prison and fined 460 euros (about 544 dollars).
Senegal’s Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, described the penalties as excessive during a parliamentary session, stating that Morocco’s handling of the situation did not reflect the relationship between the two countries. He added that Senegal was taking all necessary steps to secure the release of its citizens.
Despite the off-field tensions, Senegal claimed a 1-0 victory after extra time to lift the AFCON trophy. Morocco’s Brahim Díaz missed the crucial penalty in a dramatic conclusion to the match.
