Twenty-Three People Charged in Split Over Pro-Nazi Chants Prior to UEFA Match
Croatian police have charged 23 individuals following anti-Semitic and pro-Nazi chanting by football supporters in Split ahead of a UEFA Conference League fixture between Hajduk Split and Ajax Amsterdam, according to local reports. The demonstration, carried out by members of the Torcida fan group last Thursday, drew swift condemnation from government officials, opposition parties, human rights groups, and the nation’s Jewish community.
Police Arrests and Potential Prison Sentences
Authorities have detained six of the 23 suspects while two others remain under questioning and fifteen others are actively sought by law enforcement. The suspects face charges of public incitation to violence and hatred, carrying a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The Israeli Embassy in Zagreb issued a statement declaring itself deeply shocked by the public demonstrations.
Hajduk Split Issues Apology Following Conference League Fixture
Hajduk Split won the match 2-1 on the pitch, but club leadership subsequently issued formal apologies to both UEFA and Ajax Amsterdam. Representatives characterized the pre-match demonstrations as scenes that Europe should not have to remember. The Croatian Football Federation also joined in condemning the supporters’ actions.
Prior Disciplinary Actions Involving Croatian Football
European football’s governing body has previously penalized Croatian football for similar extremist incidents. In 2015, UEFA docked Croatia one point in the Euro 2016 qualifying standings after a swastika symbol was painted onto the pitch in Split prior to a match against Italy. The perpetrators of that pitch defacement were never identified by investigators.
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