Everton midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye has called on Moroccan authorities to release Senegalese supporters who were imprisoned during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final.

During the AFCON final in Morocco, chaos erupted when Brahim Díaz was awarded a penalty, prompting Senegalese fans to vent their frustrations.

Some fans threw seats at opponents, while others engaged in physical altercations as security personnel struggled to control the situation. Several fans were subsequently arrested and jailed.

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Speaking after Everton’s 3-0 win over Chelsea, Gueye urged that the supporters’ cases be heard and that they be freed, expressing concern for their plight.

“We think about our supporters who are still in prison in Morocco. Hopefully, they will release our supporters because we are behind them, we support them, and we think about them,” he said, as reported by The Athletic.

He also criticised the Confederation of African Football (CAF)’s decision to nullify the AFCON final result and declare Morocco champions, saying: “Africa doesn’t need this type of decision.”

“I think this decision [to award AFCON 2025 to Morocco] is just ridiculous. We win the game on the pitch, not in offices. As a Senegalese player, I’m proud of what we did in the Africa Cup of Nations. People who take this decision may be against Africa, because Africa doesn’t need this type of decision,” he added.

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