Croatian police investigate Nazi chants from Hajduk Split fans before Ajax clash

Police in Croatia are investigating antisemitic and Nazi-glorifying chants by a group of Hajduk Split supporters that occurred on Thursday near Poljud stadium, shortly before the Conference League match against Ajax. The events were captured in videos shared on social media and have sparked widespread condemnation.

• Hajduk supporters chanted about Auschwitz and voiced support for Adolf Hitler while marching to the stadium.
• The march was led by a yellow car carrying a coffin marked with the name Ajax on its roof.
• Croatian authorities have already made arrests and identified several other individuals who are now being tracked down.
• Hajduk won the match 2-1, but play was halted for around ten minutes due to fireworks thrown from the stands.

Chants about Auschwitz and Hitler during the march to Poljud

The chanting was heard as hundreds of Croatian supporters made their way to the stadium in a large procession. Videos circulating online clearly capture fans singing slogans that referenced the Auschwitz concentration camp and voiced backing for Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler.

The procession was led by a yellow vehicle with a coffin strapped to its roof. Written across the casket was the name Ajax, the Amsterdam club historically associated with the Jewish community, making the incident a direct attack on the identity of their opponents.

Croatia's ombudswoman condemns the incident

Tena Simonovic Einwalter, Croatia's ombudswoman and an independent official appointed by parliament to safeguard human rights, described the incident as a clear 'manifestation of hatred and intolerance'. In a statement posted on X, she strongly condemned the chants glorifying the Nazi regime.

We strongly condemn the unacceptable chants glorifying the Nazi regime that were recorded among a portion of fans before today's match in Split. Such shameful behaviour constitutes a negation of sport and the democratic values that modern Croatia cherishes.

She also warned that such phenomena, rather than decreasing, are spreading more freely and intensifying. Simonovic Einwalter expressed regret that the lack of a strong reaction from high-ranking officials and competent bodies after previous incidents had contributed to this downward trend.

Arrests made and Hajduk Split apology

Local police confirmed that arrests have already been carried out in connection with Thursday's chants. Several additional individuals have been identified and are being located by security forces to answer for what happened in the vicinity of the stadium.

Hajduk Split posted an apology on social media after the match, although the statement did not specifically mention the antisemitic chanting. The club apologised to fans who came to the stadium, to the competition organiser and to Ajax for scenes they do not want Europe to remember them by following their return to continental competition after 16 years.

A history of sanctions against Croatian football

Croatian football has a difficult track record when it comes to discrimination. In 2015, the Croatian Football Federation apologised after a swastika was marked on the pitch before the Euro 2016 qualifier between Croatia and Italy.

Earlier this month, the national team played their Nations League match against England behind closed doors due to a ban imposed following discriminatory behaviour by supporters against France the previous year. Only children and accompanying adults were allowed to attend.

What UEFA can do and how the match ended

UEFA has no jurisdiction over incidents that take place outside the stadium or its security perimeter. However, the governing body can act if sanctionable behaviour occurs in the stands or within the stadium precinct, as was the case with the fireworks that forced play to be suspended for around ten minutes.

On the pitch, Hajduk Split secured a 2-1 victory over Ajax in a match overshadowed by the incidents. The Croatian side, runners-up in their domestic league last season, claimed a valuable win in the first leg of the Conference League tie.