Chaos at CAN Final: 19 Fans Arrested After Morocco-Senegal Clash

CAN Final Unrest Prompts Security Crackdown

Strict measures by Moroccan authorities followed clashes between supporters during the Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

Judicial sources cited by AFP said 18 Senegalese fans and one Algerian were detained for investigation regarding the disturbances inside the stadium.

The unrest erupted after some Senegalese fans protested the referee's decision to award a Moroccan penalty, and after the Senegal coach urged players to withdraw.

Some supporters attempted to storm the pitch for about 15 minutes before security forces regained control.

The Moroccan Football Federation later appealed to FIFA and CAF, stating that legal channels would be used to address the incident and Senegal's possible withdrawal.

The federation's statement claimed the withdrawal followed a correctly awarded penalty decision, supported by specialists, which affected the match's flow.

The federation also thanked Moroccan fans for their loyalty and for turning up in large numbers across the tournament.

Punchline: If suspense were a sport, this final would be a masterclass; unfortunately, it came with a hefty dose of legal drama.

Punchline 2: In football as in comedy, timing matters—this one went to the lawyers before it went to the scoreboard.