Senegal and Morocco sanctioned over night of shame

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has come down hard on both the newly crowned Africa Cup of Nations champions, Senegal, and the hosts, Morocco, issuing a slate of heavy suspensions and fines totalling more than $1m. The Mail & Guardian reports that the sanctions, handed down by the CAF Disciplinary Board, paint a grim picture of a final that descended into a diplomatic and sporting brawl, overshadowing what was meant to be a celebration of African football. While Senegal took the trophy home with a gritty 1-0 extra-time victory a fortnight ago in Rabat, their behaviour on the night has come at a premium. The Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) has been ordered to pay fines totalling $615 000 for a number of offences ranging from the ‘improper conduct’ of supporters to the ‘unsporting behaviour’ of the technical team. The heaviest individual sanction fell on Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw. CAF found Thiaw guilty of conduct that ‘brought the game into disrepute,’ slapping him with a five-match ban and a $100 000 fine. And star players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr have both been suspended for two official CAF matches for aggressive behaviour toward the referee. Moroccowas sanctioned for failures in match organisation and discipline. The Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football was fined $315 000. Senegal’s Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, described the events as ‘deplorable’ and ‘painful’ but urged the public not to overdramatise them.