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Senegal Fans and Algerian Detained Following Disorder at AFCON Final in Morocco
During the tumultuous conclusion of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final held on Sunday night, Moroccan authorities apprehended 18 Senegalese supporters alongside one Algerian individual. The arrests were made amid escalating unrest inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Details of the Arrests and Allegations
According to reports from AFP via RMC Sport, the Senegalese fans were taken into custody for questioning related to hooliganism incidents that erupted during the match. Meanwhile, the Algerian detainee is suspected of provoking disorderly conduct among the crowd. This crackdown follows multiple attempts by fans to invade the pitch during a critical stoppage-time moment.
Controversy Sparks Senegal’s Walk-Off
The chaos unfolded after Senegal’s head coach, Pape Thiaw, instructed his team to leave the field in protest against a contentious refereeing call. This unprecedented move led to a suspension of play and heightened tensions within the stadium. Despite later apologizing for his decision, Thiaw now faces the prospect of a significant ban, while the Moroccan Football Federation has announced plans to pursue legal measures concerning the incident.
Senegal Clinches AFCON Title Amidst Turmoil
Senegal ultimately secured the championship with a narrow 1-0 victory over host nation Morocco, courtesy of Pape Gueye’s decisive goal in extra time. However, the celebration was marred by controversy surrounding a late penalty awarded to Morocco. The Senegalese players’ refusal to continue play led to a 15-minute delay before they returned to the pitch.
In a dramatic turn, Morocco’s Brahim Diaz took the penalty with a ‘Panenka’ style shot, which was expertly saved by Senegal’s goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, formerly of Chelsea. This save propelled the match into extra time, where Senegal sealed their triumph.
Broader Implications and Fan Behavior at Major Tournaments
Incidents of fan violence and pitch invasions have increasingly challenged the integrity of major football tournaments worldwide. For instance, UEFA reported a 12% rise in stadium-related disturbances during the 2023 European Championship qualifiers. The AFCON final’s disorder highlights the ongoing need for enhanced security measures and stricter enforcement of fan conduct regulations to safeguard players, officials, and spectators alike.
