Pape Matar Sarr has publicly condemned the continued detention of Senegalese football supporters in Morocco following the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, calling the situation unjust and urging their immediate release.
The midfielder, who plays for Senegal’s national side, said he was deeply troubled by the fate of his compatriots, who have remained in custody for weeks after the tournament decider.
Writing on social media, he criticised what he described as a disproportionate response to fans whose actions, he argued, amounted to passionate support for their team.
In a strongly worded message, Sarr aligned himself with growing calls for the supporters to be freed.
His intervention has drawn attention to the ongoing detention, which has sparked debate among fans and observers.
His full official statement is as follows:
“30 days of detention for supporters whose only crime was passionately supporting their team.
We strongly condemn this injustice and demand their release. Full support to our compatriots.”
The comments mark Sarr’s first public reaction to the incident and underline the emotional impact the situation has had within Senegal’s football community.
By speaking out, he joined a widening chorus of voices expressing concern over the handling of the supporters.
The detained fans have been held in Morocco since 18 January 2026, the day of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.
That match ended with Senegal defeating the host nation, a result that triggered celebrations among travelling supporters.
While details surrounding the detention remain limited, the case has continued to resonate among Senegalese supporters, with Sarr’s statement amplifying calls for a resolution.
His message reflects both solidarity with those in custody and frustration at the length of their detention, keeping the issue firmly in the public spotlight.
