Arrests Made in Croatia Over Pro-Nazi Chants at Hajduk Split-Ajax Match
Croatian police have arrested at least a dozen fans for pro-Nazi chants and antisemitic acts before and during a UEFA Conference League match between Hajduk Split and Ajax.
In Split, Croatia, at least 12 individuals have been arrested following pro-Nazi chants and antisemitic actions by fans of Hajduk Split during and before a UEFA Conference League match against Dutch club Ajax. The incidents led to a match interruption and widespread condemnation across Croatia. Both the Croatian President and the government have called for punishment, stating such behavior is unacceptable.
Highlights
- Split police arrested at least 12 Hajduk Split fans on charges of inciting violence and hatred.
- Fans chanted antisemitic slurs and praised Nazi leader Adolf Hitler before the game.
- A mock coffin emblazoned with the name of the Ajax team, long associated with Amsterdam's Jewish community, was paraded.
- The match was interrupted for 12 minutes due to flares and other objects thrown onto the pitch.
- Croatian President Zoran Milanovic and the government condemned the incidents, emphasizing that there is no place for the glorification of Nazism in Croatia.
Details
Before Thursday night's match, thousands of Hajduk Split fans engaged in antisemitic insults and chanted in praise of Nazi leader Adolf Hitler. Supporters also marched behind a car carrying a mock-up coffin with the name of the Ajax team, which has long been associated with Amsterdam's Jewish community.
The incidents drew widespread condemnation in Croatia. President Zoran Milanovic and the conservative government harshly criticized the fans and demanded punishment. Police announced on Friday that 12 fans had been arrested on charges of inciting violence and hatred, indicating that more suspects might be apprehended. The Croatian Football Association also stated that the incident damaged the country's football image and that the behavior was contrary to the basic values of sports.
Why it matters
This event is seen as a reflection of rising nationalist and far-right sentiments in Croatia. While the government denies accusations of turning a blind eye to far-right tendencies related to the country's World War II Nazi-collaborating regime, Milorad Pupovac, the political leader of ethnic Serbs in Croatia, stated it was only a matter of time before such incidents occurred. The Israeli embassy in Zagreb also condemned the incident, urging a government response. Hajduk Split club apologized for the fans' behavior and stated they are prepared to face disciplinary action from UEFA.