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Morocco king pardons jailed Senegalese fans on humanitarian grounds

From Al Jazeera · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Outcome reported
  • Morocco's King Mohammed VI has pardoned 17 Senegalese football fans jailed after disturbances at the Africa Cup of Nations final.
  • The pardon was granted for 'humanitarian reasons' and in observance of the Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha.
  • The fans were imprisoned following a pitch invasion and protest after a controversial penalty decision awarded to Morocco in injury time.

Morocco's King Mohammed VI has extended a royal pardon to 17 Senegalese football supporters who were jailed following disturbances at the Africa Cup of Nations final in January. The royal court announced the decision, citing 'humanitarian reasons' and the upcoming Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha.

The supporters were imprisoned after a pitch invasion and protest by Senegal's players and staff occurred in injury time of the final match in Rabat. The protest followed a penalty awarded to Morocco, a decision that led to a 14-minute stoppage in play. Although Morocco missed the penalty, Senegal went on to win the match 1-0.

However, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) later overturned the match result on March 17. CAF awarded the game as a 3-0 victory to Morocco, crowning the North African nation as champions. This decision followed an investigation into the events of the final.

The King's pardon acknowledges the 'age-old fraternal ties' between Morocco and Senegal. Eid al-Adha is set to be celebrated in Morocco on Wednesday.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Al Jazeera in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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