Football is often described as the beautiful game, but when passion crosses the line into violence, it quickly becomes ugly.
Recently, the High Court of Rabat in Morocco sent a strong message to football supporters across Africa after sentencing 18 Senegalese fans to prison terms ranging from three months to one year.
The supporters had been arrested following chaotic scenes during and after the AFCON 2026 final between Morocco and Senegal.
The fans were charged with assault and disorderly conduct after engaging in violent celebrations and clashes that disrupted public order. Instead of treating the matter lightly, Moroccan authorities decided to act decisively.
The ruling has sparked debate across the continent about how football related violence should be handled.
In Morocco, the authorities made it clear that being a football supporter does not put anyone above the law.
The convicted fans will serve their sentences in Morocco, a move that demonstrates the country’s determination to maintain discipline and safety during major sporting events.
This tough stance offers an important lesson for many African football nations, including Malawi, where football violence has become a recurring problem.
In Malawi, incidents of violence at football matches are unfortunately not new. From stone throwing to pitch invasions and fights among supporters, these behaviors have damaged the image of the sport.
However, the way such cases are handled locally often raises serious questions.
Instead of directly punishing the individuals responsible for violence, authorities frequently choose to punish football clubs through fines, stadium bans or point deductions.
While such measures may appear to enforce discipline, they often fail to address the root of the problem.
The real culprits are the individuals who commit the violent acts, yet they rarely face direct legal consequences.
This approach unintentionally encourages a culture of impunity where some supporters believe they can engage in violence without facing personal punishment.
The result is that clubs suffer the penalties while the perpetrators walk away freely.
Morocco’s approach is different. By arresting and prosecuting the individuals responsible, the authorities are sending a clear warning that football violence will not be tolerated.
Such action creates accountability and acts as a strong deterrent for future misconduct.
Malawi could greatly benefit from adopting a similar approach.
When individuals know they can face arrest and prison for violent conduct at matches, they will think twice before engaging in such behavior.
Another serious issue affecting football in Malawi is gate revenue theft.
At many matches, allegations of money disappearing at the gate are common, yet investigations rarely lead to arrests or convictions.
This problem persists partly because of a long standing perception that football related misconduct should be handled internally within the sport rather than through the justice system.
But football is not separate from society, crimes committed at a stadium are still crimes under the law.When theft, violence or vandalism occur during matches, those responsible should face the same legal consequences as they would anywhere else.
Failing to enforce the law not only damages the credibility of football authorities but also undermines efforts to professionalize the sport.
If Malawi wants to transform its football into a modern and respected industry, discipline and accountability must be taken seriously.
Supporters play a vital role in football’s success, bringing energy, passion and atmosphere to stadiums.
But that passion must always remain within the boundaries of respect and lawful conduct.
The lesson from Morocco is simple yet powerful,football passion should never be an excuse for lawlessness.
As Malawi continues to develop its football structures, it may be time to rethink how misconduct at matches is handled.
Punishing clubs alone is not enough.Real change will come when those who commit violence, steal gate revenue or cause chaos at stadiums are personally held accountable.