Moroccan authorities arrested 18 Senegalese supporters and one Algerian fan on Sunday over suspected hooliganism during the Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Morocco.
A judicial source, speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, said the 18 Senegalese fans were placed in custody under instructions from the Rabat prosecutor’s office “to question them about acts of hooliganism committed” inside the stadium. The Algerian fan was also detained on suspicion of “inciting hooliganism.”
The arrests followed a tense end to the match, which Senegal won 1-0 after extra time.
Minutes before the end of regulation time, nearly 1,000 Senegalese fans attempted to storm the pitch for about 15 minutes, throwing objects including at least one chair, before security staff and police regained control.
The unrest erupted after Senegal’s players and coach briefly left the field in protest over a penalty awarded to Morocco in stoppage time.
The fans surged toward the pitch as Moroccan forward Brahim Diaz prepared to take the penalty, which he missed after Senegalese players returned to the field. Senegal scored early in extra time and secured the title.
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