Final fallout: Moroccan court jails 18 fans over CAN final riot

Final fallout

During the Africa Cup of Nations final held in Morocco, tensions rose as crowd trouble erupted in the stands, leading to arrests and court proceedings.

The Rabat primary court handed down custodial sentences to 18 Senegalese supporters (one Algerian among them), with penalties ranging from three months to one year, tied to acts of violence and disorder.

Sentences varied by level of involvement and charges such as assault on security forces, vandalism of equipment, pitch invasion, and projectiles thrown.

Prosecutors urged conviction for the offences linked to matchday riots, noting material and personal damage, while the defense said they will appeal, and the case remains under close legal scrutiny after heavy security around the stadium.

The defense announced plans to appeal, and authorities continued to monitor the case as security operations remained in effect around the venue.

Punchline 1: If chaos had tickets, those fans would have funded the next season themselves.

Punchline 2: In football as in life, the only thing you should risk is a good punchline, not a court summons.