Moroccan prosecutors on Thursday requested prison sentences of up to two years for 18 Senegalese football fans who have been held in Rabat since last month’s Africa Cup of Nations final, AFP reports, citing charges of “hooliganism.”
Seeking the maximum penalty for some of the defendants, the prosecution told the court that the fans had “deliberately sought to disrupt the proper conduct of the match.”
The authorities added that the group “committed acts of violence broadcast live on television,” although the defendants have denied any wrongdoing.
The Senegalese supporters have remained in pre-trial detention since January 18, the day Morocco lost 1-0 to Senegal in a tense AFCON final on home soil.
Minutes before the final whistle, some fans tried to invade the pitch, prompting Senegal’s players to halt the game for nearly 20 minutes in protest over a late penalty awarded to Morocco.
Footage also showed certain supporters throwing objects onto the field, including a chair.
The prosecution said its case relied on surveillance camera footage from the stadium, alongside medical reports detailing injuries to security personnel and stewards.
Estimated material damage to the stadium exceeded 4 million Moroccan dirhams ($430,000), according to prosecutors.
Morocco is slated to co-host the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
