Moroccan police arrested 18 Senegal fans for ‘hooliganism’ at AFCON 2025 final

Police in Morocco say their personnel arrested 18 Senegal fans and one Algerian during the chaotic Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Rabat on Sunday.

According to AFP via RMC Sport, Moroccan police stated that the Senegal supporters were arrested and will be questioned about acts of hooliganism inside the stadium, while the Algerian is suspected of inciting hooliganism.

The arrests came after several fans attempted to invade the pitch at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, during the period when Senegal manager Pape Thiaw ordered his players off the field in stoppage time after the referee awarded a controversial penalty to Morocco.

Thiaw is set to face a lengthy ban for instructing his players to walk off in protest, despite later apologising for his actions.

The Moroccan Football Federation has also announced its intent to launch legal action against Senegal over the incident.

Senegal secured the title with a 1-0 victory over the Atlas Lions, thanks to Pape Gueye’s extra-time strike.

However, the triumph was overshadowed by the much-disputed late penalty decision, which prompted Senegal players to abandon the pitch in protest, leading to a temporary halt and angry reactions towards match officials.

After a delay of over 15 minutes, Senegal players returned to the pitch.

Brahim Diaz missed the subsequent penalty as his ‘Panenka’ attempt was easily saved by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, taking the game into extra time.