King Mohammed VI of Morocco has pardoned 18 Senegal soccer fans convicted of hooliganism during the Africa Cup of Nations final hosted by Morocco earlier this year. The royal palace announced the pardons on Saturday, citing "human considerations" ahead of the Eid Al Adha celebrations and the "long-standing fraternal relations" between the two nations.
The fans were sentenced in April to terms ranging from three months to one year for offenses including violence against security forces, throwing objects, damaging stadium infrastructure, and attempting to invade the pitch after a VAR decision awarded a penalty to Morocco.
During the final, Senegal players walked off in protest but returned after 14 minutes. Morocco missed the penalty, and Senegal won 1-0. In March, Morocco was later declared champion after the Confederation of African Football upheld its appeal, stripping Senegal of the title. Senegal has appealed that decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The pardons were granted ahead of Eid Al Adha, reflecting the close diplomatic ties between Morocco and Senegal.