“No to insulting families” – Saibari responds to fan backlash amid AFCON tension

Moroccan international Ismael Saibari has broken his silence after facing a wave of backlash from fans, calling for respect and drawing a firm line against personal attacks on players and their families.

The reaction follows a growing storm surrounding Morocco’s national team players amid the ongoing dispute over the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title.

With Senegal challenging the Confederation of African Football’s decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, tensions have remained high between both camps.

The controversy intensified after Senegal’s national team publicly celebrated the AFCON title ahead of a friendly match against Peru in France, a game they went on to win 2-0.

The celebrations, viewed by many as provocative given the unresolved legal case, sparked widespread debate across African football.

Amid this tense backdrop, several Moroccan players came under scrutiny for their social media activity. Reports from Moroccan outlet Hesport revealed that a number of stars interacted with posts shared by Senegalese players during their celebrations at the Stade de France.

These interactions, particularly “likes,” were seen by some supporters as inappropriate, considering the legitimacy of the title remains under legal review.

Among those caught in the backlash were Saibari, Chadi Riad, Eliesse Ben Seghir, as well as Samir Al-Murabit, Osama Targhalin and Yassin Kishat.

The situation quickly escalated into a public outcry, with criticism directed heavily at the players involved.

Responding to the criticism, Saibari defended his actions while condemning the tone of the backlash. The midfielder made it clear that while fans are entitled to their opinions, dragging families into the conversation crosses a line that should never be breached.

His comments come at a time when emotions remain raw, with both Morocco and Senegal firmly holding their positions as they await a final ruling from CAS. While the legal battle continues off the pitch, incidents like these highlight how deeply the controversy has affected players, fans, and the wider football community.

As the situation unfolds, Saibari’s message serves as a reminder of the human side of the game, urging for respect even in moments of intense rivalry and disagreement.