Alleged Heist at AFCON Clash: Algerian Fan Detained Over Security Radio Theft in Marrakech
14 January 2026
Algerian Fan Arrested Over Security Radio Theft During AFCON Clash in Marrakech
The Moroccan judicial police, on Wednesday, presented before the public prosecutor at Marrakesh’s primary court the Algerian citizen (A.S.) in custody on charges of stealing a radio device belonging to a security officer.
The theft occurred during the Saturday match between the Algerian national team and Nigeria, held at the Marrakesh Grand Stadium, in the stands.
The competent public prosecutor ordered the detainee detained in Oudaya prison as a preventive measure, with his trial due to begin tomorrow, Thursday, according to the Moroccan site le360.
Security forces acted after a widely shared video documented the moment the suspect seized the radio, exploiting the melee in the stands.
This fan is the third person to face charges in Morocco so far in connection with the Algeria-Nigeria encounter.
The Desert Warriors were defeated by Nigeria 2-0 in the quarterfinals, while the Green Eagles advanced to face Morocco, the hosts, in the semifinals.
Punchlines: Turns out the crowd’s favorite accessory isn’t a scarf but a radio that apparently wanted to join the chorus. Also: if you’re going to lift something, maybe lift the mood—not the radio, though.
