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Three Senegalese fans were released on Saturday after completing a three-month prison sentence in Morocco, following the tumultuous events during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final in Rabat, AFP reports.
The trio exited Al Arjat 2 prison, northeast of the capital, under gendarmerie escort, before being transferred to a police station near Salé. Their release was overseen by representatives from the Senegalese embassy. One of the fans expressed his joy by exclaiming, «dima Maroc, dima Maghrib».
Initially detained on January 18, the night of the final, they were found guilty of hooliganism, including charges of violence against law enforcement, vandalism, throwing objects, and attempting to invade the pitch. In connection with the same incident, fifteen other Senegalese fans remain incarcerated, serving sentences ranging from six months to a year, as confirmed on appeal this past Monday.
A French national of Algerian origin was also freed on Saturday after serving a similar three-month sentence for throwing a water bottle and inciting violence.
The final on January 18 descended into chaos in its closing moments, following a penalty awarded to Morocco and a disallowed goal for Senegal. The referee's decision incited anger among the Senegalese players, prompting them to temporarily leave the field, while some fans attempted to storm the pitch.
The game eventually resumed, with Morocco missing the penalty, allowing Senegal to secure a 1-0 victory in extra time, courtesy of Pape Gueye. Weeks later, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) sanctioned Senegal for their walk-off and awarded the hosting of the 2025 CAN to Morocco, a decision Senegal is contesting before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
