Moroccan authorities have arrested 18 Senegalese fans and one Algerian in connection with acts of hooliganism during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final on Sunday night.
According to AFP via RMC Sport, the Senegalese supporters were detained to be questioned over disturbances inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, while the Algerian is suspected of inciting hooliganism.
The arrests followed chaotic scenes in stoppage time when several fans attempted to enter the field, prompting Senegal manager Pape Thiaw to momentarily withdraw his players in protest over a refereeing decision. Thiaw is expected to face a lengthy ban despite later apologising, and the Moroccan Football Federation has announced plans to pursue legal action related to the incident.
On the field, Senegal clinched the AFCON title with a 1-0 victory over hosts Morocco, courtesy of Pape Gueye’s extra-time strike. The match had been marred by a controversial late penalty, which was saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy after Brahim Diaz’s ‘Panenka’ attempt, extending the game into extra time.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns over crowd control and fan behaviour at high-stakes football events.
