Antisemitic Chants Erupt Among Hajduk Split Fans Ahead of Ajax Match in Croatia
Croatian police launched a criminal investigation after Hajduk Split fans chanted antisemitic slogans, praised Hitler, and invoked Auschwitz during a march ahead of their match against Ajax Amsterdam.
A major scandal erupted in Croatia on Thursday after antisemitic chants, including references to Adolf Hitler, the Auschwitz concentration camp, and calls to harm Jews, were heard during a march by Hajduk Split fans ahead of their Conference League match against Ajax Amsterdam.
Antisemitic Chants and Ustaše References
Thousands of Hajduk fans gathered in the streets of Split ahead of the match at Poljud Stadium, the team's first in the main stage of a European competition since 2010. However, the celebrations took an ugly turn when members of the "Torcida" ultra group chanted slogans such as "Crush the Jews,Auschwitz, Auschwitz," and "Rise up, Hitler." Participants also voiced support for the Ustaše, the Croatian fascist movement that collaborated with Nazi Germany during World War II.
The Croatian media strongly condemned the incidents. The "Slobodna Dalmacija" news outlet described the chants as "shocking,shameful," and "outrageous," dedicating extensive coverage to the affair. The events also resonated in neighboring Serbia and Bosnia, where local outlets reported on the antisemitic demonstrations.
Police Investigation and Context
Following the incidents, the Split-Dalmatia County Police issued an official statement: "During the march of the home team's fans, chants containing content that may constitute a criminal offense were recorded. An investigation is underway to establish all the facts, identify those responsible, and bring them to justice."
The antisemitic abuse is partly tied to the identity adopted over the years by some Ajax fans. Certain supporter groups of the Dutch club use the moniker "Super Jews," along with Stars of David and Israeli flags, partly in response to historical antisemitism from rival fans. While many supporters using these symbols are not Jewish, this association has frequently become a focal point for antisemitic provocations by opposing fan bases.
Pre-Match Clashes and On-Field Drama
The events unfolded against a backdrop of exceptional tension in the city that began the night before the match. According to reports, around 150 members of "Torcida" attacked Ajax fans in Split's central promenade area, leading police to arrest 57 individuals. The detainees included 19 Dutch citizens found in possession of knives and stones. They were sentenced to seven days in prison and banned from attending the stadium for two years.
The match itself, in which Ajax lost 2-1 to Hajduk Split, was also marred by disruptions. Israeli midfielder Oscar Gloukh entered as a substitute for the final 14 minutes, shortly after which the match was temporarily halted due to flares and firecrackers thrown from the Croatian team's stands.
