Eighteen Senegalese football supporters appeared before a Moroccan appeals court on Monday to deny charges of hooliganism related to a pitch invasion during the Africa Cup of Nations final in January.
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The fans who were previously sentenced to prison terms of three to 12 months argued that they entered the pitch to escape a surging crowd and projectiles rather than to protest refereeing decisions.
While prosecutors are seeking longer sentences the defense has requested that video evidence be reviewed to verify the identities of the accused.
The prosecution has opposed replaying the footage maintaining that the supporters were caught in the act.
The judge has yet to rule on the request to show the videos as the legal battle over the contentious January 18 final continues in Rabat.
CULLED FROM PUNCH
