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By LEWIS BROWNING, SPORTS REPORTER Published: 09: 27 AEDT, 20 January 2026 | Updated: 09: 35 AEDT, 20 January 2026 8 View comments Moroccan police have arrested 18 Senegal fans and one Algerian in the fall-out of a chaotic Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final on Sunday night. According to AFP via RMC Sport, the arrests were made so the Senegal supporters could be questioned about acts of hooliganism inside the stadium, while the Algerian is suspected of inciting hooliganism. It comes after several fans appeared to try and enter the field of play in the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in a period that saw Senegal manager Pape Thiaw take his players off the field in stoppage time because he didn't agree with a refereeing decision. Thiaw is set to face a lengthy ban after telling his players to walk off in protest despite apologising for his actions - and the Moroccan football federation have announced its intent to launch legal action over the incident. In a hugely controversial final, hosts Morocco were given a last–minute penalty which sparked fury on the pitch and in the stands, with Thiaw then taking action. Former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy saved the penalty, which was taken in the 24th minute of stoppage time (eight minutes were initially added on) and Senegal won in extra–time. Moroccan police have arrested 19 people on alleged hooliganism charges following the dramatic AFCON final While the players were off the field, sections of the Senegal fans sparked chaos in the stand as they tried to enter the pitch for around 15 minutes before being driven back by stewards and police. It is believed that projectiles, including a chair, were thrown. FIFA president Gianni Infantino said: 'We strongly condemn the behaviour of some "supporters" as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members. 'It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner, and equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport, it is simply not right. 'We must always respect the decisions taken by the match officials on and off the field of play because anything less puts the very essence of football at risk. 'The ugly scenes witnessed must be condemned and never repeated. I expect that the relevant disciplinary bodies at CAF will take the appropriate measures. ' African body CAF added: 'CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organisers. 'CAF is reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty. ' Senegal boss Pape Thiaw is set to be given a long ban for instructing his players to leave the field after he disagreed with a refereeing decision After Morocco’s penalty was given, a long 17 minutes went by that threatened to turn extremely nasty both on and off the pitch, hundreds of riot police just about containing the furious Senegalese supporters while the players nearly threw fists on the touchline. The chaos continued post-match with Senegal boss Thiaw forced to abandon his press conference amid boos from Moroccan journalists, with some clashing with their counterparts from Senegal. Footage has also emerged from other incidents during the final, including Senegal's reserve goalkeeper being wrestled to the ground - with the match ongoing - as he attempted to protect team-mate Edouard Mendy's towel.
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