Hajduk Split Fans Under Scrutiny for Antisemitic Chants at Ajax Match

Antisemitic chants echoed through the streets as fans of Hajduk Split marched toward the stadium, an ominous scene highlighted by a mock coffin labeled 'Ajax'. Croatian authorities have launched an investigation into the chants, which occurred ahead of the team's Conference League matchup against Ajax on Thursday. Videos circulating online depict supporters making offensive references to Auschwitz and expressing admiration for Adolf Hitler. Leading the march was a striking yellow car with a coffin attached to the roof, a stark symbol that only intensified the controversy. Ajax, a club closely tied to the Jewish community, was the target of this mockery. Tena Simonovic Einwalter, Croatia's ombudswoman tasked with protecting human rights, condemned the chants as a “manifestation of hatred and intolerance.” The Croatian government echoed these sentiments, labeling the behavior as unacceptable. “We firmly denounce the disgraceful chants that celebrated the Nazi regime, which were heard among some fans before the match in Split,” the government stated on X. “Such disgraceful actions undermine the spirit of sport and the democratic values we uphold in modern Croatia.” Local police confirmed to BBC Sport that they have already made several arrests connected to the incident and are actively pursuing additional suspects. Despite the chaos, Hajduk Split managed to clinch a 2-1 victory in the match, though play was interrupted for about ten minutes due to fireworks ignited by fans in the stands. Following the game, Hajduk issued an apology on social media, although it notably avoided mentioning the antisemitic chants directly. “When situations like today occur, we feel compelled to apologize to those who came to support the team returning to European competitions after 16 years,” the club said. “We also extend apologies to the competition organizers and Ajax’s management and players for the scenes we wish to distance ourselves from.” While UEFA typically does not intervene in incidents occurring outside the stadium, they can take action if events escalate within the venue itself. Croatian football has a history of being penalized for antisemitic and discriminatory conduct. In 2015, the Croatian Football Federation faced backlash after a swastika was discovered on the pitch ahead of a Euro 2016 qualifier against Italy. Just earlier this month, a stadium ban was imposed for Croatia's Nations League match against England due to prior discriminatory behavior against France, although children and their guardians were permitted to attend. “Regrettably, rather than diminishing, these issues seem to be growing more frequent and severe, a trend likely fueled by the lack of decisive action from authorities in response to past incidents,” Simonovic Einwalter remarked.