Algerian fan jailed for wearing Morocco shirt sparks online outcry

A 22-year-old supporter in Algeria has reportedly been sentenced to two years in prison for wearing a Moroccan national team jersey, in a case that has triggered widespread reaction on social media.

According to reports by Le 360 Sport, Lyes Guernine, a Kabyle fan, was handed the sentence after appearing in the shirt of Morocco’s national side, known as the Atlas Lions.

The incident took place on 2 January during a domestic league match between JS Kabylie and MC Alger at the Hocine Aït Ahmed Stadium.

The young man, who is from Aït Mesbah, was reportedly prosecuted on charges of “undermining national unity”, according to multiple posts circulating online.

The case has received little attention from Algeria’s state media but has become a subject of intense discussion across digital platforms.

Public awareness of the case grew on 7 January after activist Messaouda Cheballah published a Facebook post condemning what she described as “an unprecedented injustice.”

Weeks later, journalist Abdou Semmar, founder of Algérie Part, addressed the matter during a programme broadcast on 22 February on his YouTube channel.

He insisted the information was accurate and dismissed claims that it originated as false reporting from Moroccan media.

Reports from Le 360 Sport state that the supporter has no known links to any political movement.

Observers cited in the coverage suggest the incident unfolded in the broader context of the Africa Cup of Nations held in Morocco, where displays of solidarity between Algerian and Moroccan fans had drawn attention.

The case continues to fuel debate within Algeria, with many online users questioning the severity of the punishment.

Meanwhile, the young man’s family has reportedly declined to comment publicly, citing fears of possible reprisals.