The night of the AFCON final at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat turned dark off the pitch, as serious riots and violence overshadowed Senegal’s coronation.
Moroccan authorities confirmed the arrest of 19 foreign supporters after clashes in the stands and around the venue.
Trouble began after the referee awarded a penalty to the Atlas Lions, a decision that enraged the Senegalese camp. Tensions escalated further when Senegal coach Pape Thiaw called his players to leave the pitch, a move described as “unsporting” that fuelled anger in the terraces and pushed some Teranga Lions fans into a state of frenzy.
The unrest quickly went beyond protest chants. Senegalese supporters were involved in physical assaults on Moroccan journalists performing their professional duties, and in direct confrontations with security forces. Acts of vandalism also targeted stadium facilities, in an apparent attempt to spoil a continental showpiece watched around the world.
According to the initial report, security services detained 18 Senegalese fans and one Algerian fan suspected of taking part in these criminal acts. All have been placed in custody on orders from the public prosecutor, as investigators work to determine individual responsibilities and prepare legal charges.
The firm response underlines that Moroccan authorities will not tolerate any behaviour that threatens public order or damages the country’s image.
Officials stress that the law will take its natural course to protect citizens and sports infrastructure, regardless of emotional slogans that ignore the true spirit of football and fair play.
