"It seems this matter goes beyond the realm of sport and that is regrettable. For two countries that call each other friends, like Morocco and Senegal, things should not have gone this far. Senegal, however, will seek a royal pardon from Morocco's King Mohammed VI."
"Clashes occur in numerous stadiums around the world, including every weekend in Morocco, without resulting in such sanctions. The treatment of these supporters therefore appears disproportionate."
Morocco sentenced 18 Senegalese football fans to prison terms ranging from three months to one year, plus fines up to 5,000 dirhams, following disturbances at the January AFCON final in Rabat. The fans were arrested after attempting to enter the field during the match, which was suspended when Senegal players protested a controversial penalty award. Senegal's Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and the Senegalese Football Association have denounced the sentences as disproportionately harsh, noting similar incidents in other stadiums rarely result in such severe penalties. Senegal is seeking a royal pardon from Morocco's King Mohammed VI, or alternatively plans to request the supporters serve sentences in their home country under bilateral agreements.
#afcon-final-controversy #senegalese-football-fans-sentencing #morocco-senegal-diplomatic-dispute #sports-hooliganism-charges
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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