Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Pape Matar Sarr has stepped up to call for the release of 18 Senegalese supporters still detained in Morocco, a month after the Lions of Teranga won the Africa Cup of Nations final. Arrested for “hooliganism” following incidents in the stands during that high-stakes match, these fans are denouncing what they see as an unjust detention.
They claim they were not heard in Wolof despite repeated requests. On social media platform X, the former FC Metz player criticized a situation he deems disproportionate, stating that “their only fault was supporting their team with passion,” while showing unwavering support for his compatriots.
The final itself descended into complete chaos. After a penalty was awarded to Morocco in stoppage time, coach Pape Thiaw urged his players to return to the locker room, before Sadio Mané managed to convince them to come back onto the pitch.
In the ensuing moments, Brahim Díaz’s penalty was saved by Édouard Mendy, before a decisive strike from Pape Gueye in extra time clinched the victory for Senegal.
Since their incarceration, the 18 supporters have started a hunger strike to protest their detention conditions and demand a fair process. This action has been echoed by their lawyer, Patrick Kabou. Their request for conditional release, denied last week, has further heightened concerns and increased media pressure surrounding this sensitive case.
