Croatian police launch probe after Hajduk Split fans chant Nazi slogans ahead of Ajax tie
Police open investigation into extremist chants by Hajduk Split supporters
Authorities in Croatia have initiated a criminal investigation after video footage emerged showing supporters of Hajduk Split chanting references to Auschwitz and Adolf Hitler outside the stadium. The chants were captured in the moments leading up to the club's UEFA Conference League match against Dutch side Ajax.
What the footage revealed
The recordings, which have been widely circulated on social media, depict a group of Hajduk fans shouting slogans that explicitly mention the Nazi regime and the Holocaust. The language used in the chants is unmistakably antisemitic and glorifies a period of history universally condemned for its atrocities.
Police response
Following the public outcry, the Croatian police announced that they are treating the incident as a hate‑crime matter. Investigators are working to identify the individuals involved and to determine whether any criminal statutes concerning hate speech or incitement have been breached. The probe is expected to involve a review of the video evidence, interviews with eyewitnesses, and cooperation with stadium security personnel.
Impact on the upcoming match
Hajduk Split’s upcoming clash with Ajax is set to take place under heightened scrutiny. UEFA has strict regulations that prohibit discriminatory behaviour from fans, and clubs can face sanctions ranging from fines to stadium bans if such incidents are confirmed. While the match itself is scheduled to go ahead, the authorities have warned that any further displays of extremist propaganda could trigger disciplinary action.
Broader context of racism and antisemitism in football
Incidents of racism, xenophobia and antisemitism have been a persistent challenge for football across Europe. Governing bodies such as UEFA and FIFA have launched campaigns aimed at eradicating hate from the sport, emphasizing zero tolerance for any form of discrimination. This latest case adds to a growing list of incidents that have prompted clubs, leagues and law‑enforcement agencies to adopt stricter monitoring and punitive measures.
- UEFA’s disciplinary framework allows for match suspensions, point deductions and exclusion from competitions when clubs fail to control extremist fan behaviour.
- National police forces in several countries have established dedicated units to investigate hate‑speech incidents at sporting events.
- Fan groups and NGOs continue to run education programmes aimed at promoting inclusion and challenging extremist ideologies within stadiums.
Reactions from the football community
Fans, officials and human‑rights organisations have expressed disappointment and concern over the chants. While no official statements from Hajduk Split or Ajax have been released at the time of writing, the incident is expected to prompt comments from club leadership, as well as from UEFA’s anti‑discrimination department.
What comes next?
The investigation remains ongoing. Should the police identify those responsible, they could face criminal charges under Croatia’s hate‑crime legislation. Meanwhile, UEFA is likely to monitor the situation closely and may conduct its own review to determine whether any competition‑related sanctions are warranted.
For supporters and observers of the sport, the episode serves as a stark reminder that the fight against hate speech in football is far from over. The outcome of the police inquiry will be watched closely, not only for its legal implications but also for the message it sends about the tolerance of extremist behaviour in the beautiful game.
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