Senegal fans’ trial over AFCON final unrest to open in Rabat | OneFootball

The trial of 18 Senegal supporters accused of violence around the AFCON final on 18 January is due to be held on Thursday in Rabat, with the group still in pre-trial detention. A 27-year-old Frenchman, Lyèce Mouri, brother of a video analyst in Senegal’s staff, is also among the defendants.

Unrest followed a stoppage-time penalty that Brahim Diaz failed to convert, in a final Senegal later won 1-0 after extra time. According to L'Équipe, proceedings were adjourned three times and the accused now face counts under articles 267 and 302 of the Moroccan penal code, covering violence against public officials and at sporting events.

Scuffles flared below the Senegal ultras’ section amid confusion on the pitch. Footage shows some fans climbing barriers and advertising boards, clashing with stewards and security as chairs were thrown, while other clips capture blows being traded.

Defence lawyer Patrick Kabou disputes that account, saying a surge from the back forced fans over the barrier to avoid a crush, a language gap with stewards fuelled tensions, and a steward then threw a chair. He describes the case as a judicialisation of frustration after Morocco’s defeat and says he will seek full acquittal.

Senegal’s federation said on Tuesday it was closely monitoring the 18 supporters’ situation and that the state was mobilised at the highest level. Tottenham midfielder Pape Matar Sarr posted on X condemning what he called an injustice and urging their release. Mouri is accused by a police officer of throwing a water bottle at security, and his lawyer Jaouad Benaissi plans to plead innocence, citing mistaken identity and a lack of evidence.

Source: L'Équipe