Royal pardons issued for Senegal fans jailed over Africa Cup of Nations chaos

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleMorocco's King Mohammed VI has granted a royal pardon to 18 Senegalese football fans who were jailed for hooliganism following a chaotic Africa Cup of Nations final.The fans had been sentenced in February to prison terms of up to a year on charges including damaging sporting facilities and committing violence during a sporting event.The Royal Cabinet stated that the pardon was issued on the Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha for 'humanitarian reasons' and to acknowledge the 'long-standing fraternal ties' between Morocco and Senegal.The controversy stemmed from the January final where Senegalese fans attempted to storm the field and players protested a late penalty, with Senegal initially winning 1-0 but later being stripped of the title, which was awarded to Morocco.The contentious final and its aftermath prompted senior officials from both nations to call for calm amid a surge in 'hate speech targeting sub-Saharan residents,' leading to pledges of friendly ties and new trade agreements.In fullSenegal fans jailed over chaotic Afcon final are pardoned by Morocco’s kingThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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