The government of Senegal has criticised the sentencing of its football supporters in Morocco, expressing strong disapproval over what it describes as harsh punishments meted out against fans who were detained during an international sporting event.
Senegalese officials said the jail terms handed to the supporters undermine the spirit of fair play and solidarity that should characterise competitions and called on Moroccan authorities to reconsider the verdicts.
According to diplomatic sources, several Senegalese fans were arrested in Morocco after incidents that reportedly occurred during a match involving the Senegal national team, leading to their prosecution and subsequent conviction by Moroccan courts.
The exact nature of the charges and the length of the sentences have not been fully disclosed, but the Senegalese government’s statement noted that the penalties were disproportionate and could strain bilateral relations if not addressed.
In its response, Senegal’s foreign ministry urged authorities in Morocco to ensure that the rights of all detained supporters are respected and that due process is upheld.
The government also pledged to provide consular assistance to its citizens affected by the rulings and to engage in further diplomatic discussions aimed at resolving the matter amicably.
Football fans and civil society groups in Senegal have reacted with concern, calling for solidarity and fairness in how supporters are treated abroad.
The situation highlights ongoing tensions around fan conduct, security at international matches, and cross-border legal issues involving sports spectators.
