Up to two-year jail terms sought for 18 Senegal fans in Morocco after AFCON final | OneFootball

Moroccan prosecutors have requested prison terms of up to two years for each of the 18 Senegalese supporters detained since the Africa Cup of Nations final on 18 January, which Senegal won 1-0 after extra time, AFP reports.

The fans are charged with hooliganism, covering alleged violence, damage to stadium equipment, pitch invasion and the throwing of projectiles. Two years is the maximum sentence for these offences.

At a fresh hearing at Rabat’s first-instance court, the public prosecutor said they deliberately sought to disrupt the match and committed violence that was broadcast live on television.

The defendants, backed by the Senegalese Football Federation and several players, have denied any offence through their lawyers.

Tensions spiked late on after Morocco were awarded a penalty, missed by Brahim Diaz, which was hotly disputed by Senegal’s players, many of whom briefly returned to the dressing room.

According to the Moroccan accusation, some Senegal supporters then tried to enter the pitch and hurled objects towards it, including at least one chair.

Damage at the stadium, which was fully rebuilt before the tournament, is estimated at more than 370,000 euros.

Source: L'Équipe