By Ayomide Otitoju
Morocco on Saturday released three Senegalese football fans from prison after they completed a three-month sentence linked to violence that erupted during the Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat, according to an AFP journalist.
The trio left Al Arjat 2 prison, located northeast of Rabat, in a police vehicle before being processed at a police station and subsequently released.
After their release, the visibly relieved fans were received by officials from the Senegalese embassy, who were present to support their return.
Senegalese defence lawyer Patrick Kabou praised diplomatic efforts in a post on X, thanking consular officials for their assistance and urging the public to support the released individuals as they readjust following their detention.
On the eve of their release, Kabou had called for public support to help the trio cope with what he described as the “initial shock” of leaving prison.
The case is part of wider disciplinary proceedings stemming from the January 18 AFCON final in Rabat, which was marred by crowd violence. While Senegal originally won the match on the pitch, the result was later overturned on appeal in favour of hosts Morocco.
Fifteen other Senegalese supporters remain in custody after receiving prison sentences ranging from six months to one year, with their convictions upheld on appeal earlier this week. They were charged with hooliganism-related offences, including violence, pitch invasion, throwing projectiles, and damage to stadium property.
Separately, a French national of Algerian origin was also released on Saturday after serving a three-month sentence for throwing a water bottle during the same final.
