Croatian authorities have launched an investigation into antisemitic chanting by Hajduk Split fans prior to their UEFA Conference League match against Ajax on Thursday.
Online footage has surfaced showing Hajduk supporters chanting outside the stadium regarding Auschwitz and expressing support for Adolf Hitler.
The large march of supporters to the stadium was led by a yellow vehicle carrying a coffin labeled “Ajax” on its roof.
The Amsterdam club has historical ties to the Jewish community.
Tena Simonovic Einwalter, Croatia’s independent ombudswoman appointed by parliament to protect human rights, described the incident as a “manifestation of hatred and intolerance.”
The Croatian government also formally condemned the chants.
“We strongly condemn the unacceptable chants glorifying the Nazi regime that were recorded among a portion of fans before today’s match in Split,” the government stated on X on Thursday.
“Such shameful behavior represents a negation of sport and the democratic values that modern Croatia holds dear.”
Local police informed BBC Sport that they have already made arrests related to the chants, with several other individuals identified and currently being pursued.
Hajduk, who finished second in the Croatian top flight last season, won the match 2-1, though play was suspended for approximately 10 minutes due to fireworks in the stands.
Following the match, the Croatian club issued an apology on social media, though it did not explicitly reference the antisemitic chanting.
“When situations like today occur, we are obliged to apologize to those who came to the stadium to cheer on the team that returned to European competitions after 16 years,” the club stated.
“We also apologize to the competition’s organizer, as well as to Ajax management and players who witnessed scenes we do not want Europe to remember us by.”
UEFA lacks jurisdiction over incidents occurring outside the stadium but retains the authority to take action if events transpire within the stands or the stadium precinct.
Croatian football has previously encountered sanctions due to antisemitic and discriminatory behavior.
In 2015, the Croatian Football Federation issued an apology after a swastika was marked on the pitch prior to their Euro 2016 qualifier against Italy.
Earlier this month, Croatia’s Nations League match against England was played under a stadium ban imposed following discriminatory behavior by fans against France last year, though children and accompanying adults were permitted to attend.
“Unfortunately, instead of decreasing and stopping, these phenomena are spreading more freely and intensifying, which is hardly surprising given that previous similar behaviors were met with insufficient reactions from high-ranking officials and competent bodies,” Simonovic Einwalter added.
