23 people charged over antisemitic, pro-Nazi chants ahead of Croatia soccer match

Croatian police charged 23 people for pro-Nazi and antisemitic chants before a Hajduk Split vs. Ajax soccer match. Fans chanted 'Crush the Jews' and 'Rise up Adolf' in Split. Six suspects are in custody. The incident was condemned by Croatia's leaders, the Jewish community, and Israel's embassy. If convicted, they face up to five years in prison.

Croatian police have charged 23 people for pro-Nazi and antisemitic chants that took place ahead of a Hajduk Split soccer match against Dutch side Ajax. The chants, which included 'Crush the Jews,' 'Rise up Adolf,' and references to the Ustasha regime, occurred during a fan march in Split last week before the UEFA Conference League meeting. Croatia's political leaders, opposition parties, human rights groups, and the Jewish community strongly condemned the incident, and Israel's embassy in Zagreb said it was 'deeply shocked.' Police said six suspects are in custody, two more are being processed, and a search is underway for the remaining 15. If convicted, they face up to five years in prison. Hajduk Split apologized to UEFA and Ajax, a club with strong Jewish ties. The article notes that ultranationalist fans have tainted Croatia's image for years, including a 2015 incident where fans painted a swastika on the pitch, and critics say authorities have failed to sanction the use of Ustasha symbols.