Police arrest 19 following Africa Cup of Nations final disorder
Police in Morocco have arrested 19 people in connection with the disorder at Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and the host nation, reports BritPanorama.
Eighteen Senegalese supporters were taken into custody to face questioning over alleged acts of hooliganism inside the stadium. A single Algerian national was also arrested on suspicion of inciting the violent behaviour, police confirmed.
The detentions followed chaotic scenes at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, where the tournament decider descended into turmoil after Morocco were awarded a controversial late penalty. During the match, sections of Senegalese supporters attempted to force their way onto the playing surface, with the disturbance lasting approximately 15 minutes before security personnel and riot police managed to push them back.
Fans hurled plastic chairs and other projectiles as they clashed with stadium stewards, in scenes that threatened to spiral out of control. Reports indicate that supporters struck stewards and tried to breach security barriers in their efforts to reach the pitch.
The disorder erupted while Senegal’s players had temporarily left the field in protest at the penalty decision. Manager Pape Thiaw instructed his squad to walk off despite the match being in stoppage time. FIFA president Gianni Infantino issued a strong rebuke in response to the events, criticising both the crowd trouble and the actions of Senegal’s playing staff. Infantino said: “We strongly condemn the behaviour of some ‘supporters’ as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members. It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner, and equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport, it is simply not right.”
The FIFA chief emphasised that match officials’ decisions must be respected at all times, warning that failure to do so “puts the very essence of football at risk”. He described the scenes as “ugly” and called for them never to be repeated, adding that he expects CAF’s disciplinary bodies to take appropriate measures. The Confederation of African Football released a statement outlining its next steps, stating: “CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organisers.”
CAF is reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action against those found guilty. Senegal head coach Thiaw is expected to receive a substantial suspension for his role in the walkout, despite having apologised for his actions. The Moroccan football federation has also announced plans to pursue legal action over the incident. Thiaw’s post-match press conference was abandoned after Moroccan journalists booed him, with some clashing with their Senegalese counterparts.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of how the fervour surrounding sport can at times veer into chaos, igniting rivalries that flicker beneath the surface of competition, always threatening to boil over into something far less than the beautiful game.
