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Rabat – An Algerian fan is facing pre-trial detention in Morocco after being caught on camera as he was tearing Moroccan banknotes while protesting Algeria’s defeat to Nigeria in the AFCON quarterfinals.
Moroccan news outlet Le360 reported that the Algerian supporter, who holds a French nationality, has been placed under custody at the Oudaya prison in Marrakech for filming and sharing a video in which he is seen tearing Moroccan banknotes at the Marrakech stadium.
On Tuesday, the public prosecutor’s office in Marrakech reportedly ordered the detention of the Algerian fan on charges of incitement to hatred during sporting events, defamation, and public insults.
Police reportedly arrested the Algerian fan in Casablanca before he was transferred to Marrakech.
This is not the only case involving a controversial act by an Algerian fan since the start of the ongoing AFCON. Earlier this month, an Algerian influencer sparked a widespread controversy after he claimed to have urinated in the stands of a stadium in Rabat during the Algeria-DR Congo game.
Although the influencer later denied engaging in the reprehensible behavior he had bragged about in his video, arguing that he only hoped to gain more visibility with a shocking stunt, reports suggest he has also been placed under custody pending further investigations into his case.
Algeria’s elimination by Nigeria ignited scenes of frustration, violence, and chaos among both Algerian fans and members of the national team.
During and after the game, Algerian players engaged in heated debate and verbal altercation with the match officials
Many fans were also seen displaying banknotes and making money gestures with their hands, in a bid to suggest that the match had been “fixed.”
Hafid Derradjji, a controversial Algerian sports commentator known for his open hostility towards Morocco, also sparked controversy with remarks many found subjective and contentious.
Nigeria’s coach appeared “as if he was certain of victory,” Derradji commented during the game, suggesting that the Nigerian official knew the game’s outcome beforehand.
Yet most observers of the continental tournament and even some Algerian players acknowledged that Nigeria was the better team and “deserved to win” the game.
