By Macdella Eyong Bessong
Journalist kick442.com – Cameroon
A Moroccan court on Thursday sentenced 19 football fans to prison terms ranging from three to 12 months after finding them guilty of hooliganism during last month’s Africa Cup of Nations final between hosts Morocco and Senegal.
Following a hearing that lasted more than five hours, the presiding judge ruled that the group — comprising 18 Senegalese nationals and one French citizen — were guilty of multiple offences, including damaging sporting facilities and committing acts of violence during a sporting event.
Of those convicted, 11 were handed one-year prison sentences and fined $550 each. Four others received six-month jail terms along with fines of $218, while the remaining four were sentenced to three months in prison and fined $130.
Defence lawyers said they intend to appeal the verdicts, describing the sentences as “too harsh.”
The defendants were arrested during the final after angry supporters attempted to storm the pitch in protest of a late penalty awarded to the hosts. Senegal went on to win the match 1–0.
The unrest reportedly led to clashes between fans and stadium stewards, with objects including chairs thrown onto the pitch before police intervened. Authorities confirmed that one Moroccan national died following the disorder.
The accused had been held in custody for over a month pending judgment.
Moroccan authorities said the ruling underscores their firm stance against violence and disorder, particularly during major international competitions hosted on home soil.
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