Senegal’s Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, on Tuesday criticised a Moroccan court’s decision to sentence 18 Senegalese football supporters to prison following a pitch invasion during last month’s international match.
The fans were arrested in Morocco after the Africa Cup of Nations final on January 18. They were accused of assaulting security personnel and damaging property.
On Thursday, the court handed down prison terms ranging from three months to one year, along with fines of up to $545.
Addressing parliament, Sonko expressed regret over the development, saying the issue appeared to have moved beyond sports.
“It seems this matter goes beyond the realm of sport, and that is regrettable,” he said. “For two countries that regard each other as friends, like Morocco and Senegal, it should not have escalated to this point.”
He added that Morocco’s handling of the case “does not honour” the longstanding ties between both nations, noting that Senegal had taken all necessary steps to secure the supporters’ release.
Sonko also indicated that Senegal could invoke a bilateral agreement that allows for the transfer of convicted persons between the two countries, if required.
Senegal defeated Morocco 1–0 in Rabat to win the AFCON title after a tense encounter during which some Senegalese supporters attempted to storm the pitch and hurled objects.
— AFP
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