In a troubling incident that casts a shadow over Croatian football, pro-Nazi chants by Hajduk Split supporters before a UEFA Europa Conference League match against Ajax have drawn widespread condemnation. The actions of a faction of fans, known as the Torcida, highlight an ongoing struggle within Croatian society regarding its historical narratives and the glorification of a painful past. As leaders express outrage, the event calls into question the measures being taken to combat such sentiments and foster a more inclusive environment in sport.
Croatian society faced significant backlash following disturbing pro-Nazi and anti-Semitic chants by Hajduk Split football fans in Split before their recent UEFA Europa Conference League game against Ajax. The Torcida, a group of Hajduk Split supporters, conducted a march through the town, reportedly shouting slogans such as “Crush the Jews,” “Rise up Adolf (Hitler),” and “Let’s go Ustasha.” These chants reference Croatia’s pro-Nazi regime during World War II, provoking strong reactions from various political leaders and communities.
In response to this incident, Croatian President Zoran Milanovic expressed his condemnation, labeling the chants as “unacceptable and shameful.” He emphasized the importance of immediate action against those responsible, underlining a national commitment to fighting the glorification of Nazism and the Ustasha ideology, which has marred the country’s reputation for years. Such ideologies led to the tragic deaths and persecution of numerous ethnic groups, including Serbs, Jews, Roma, and antifascist Croatians during WWII.
The Israeli embassy in Zagreb also voiced its dismay, stating on social media that it was “deeply shocked” by the antisemitic incidents and condemned them in the strongest terms. Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic echoed these sentiments, denouncing expressions of anti-Semitism as diametrically opposed to the values that Croatian society aims to uphold.
Despite Hajduk Split winning the match 2-1, their club issued an apology to UEFA and Ajax, acknowledging that such scenes do not represent the values they strive to promote in European football. The Croatian Football Federation joined in the condemnation of the incident, reinforcing the need for vigilance against hate and intolerance in sports venues.
Unfortunately, this incident is not an isolated case. For years, Croatia’s ultra-nationalist supporters have drawn criticism for their pro-fascist slogans and Ustasha symbols, tarnishing the country’s image internationally. In a stark reminder of this ongoing issue, UEFA once docked points from Croatia’s national team after fans painted a swastika on a football pitch during a Euro 2016 qualifier, yet those responsible were never identified. Critics argue that there has been a disturbing rise in the tolerance of pro-Nazi sentiment in recent years, calling for a more robust response from authorities in sanctioning such displays of extremism.
As Croatia grapples with this aspect of its historical identity, the recent event underscores the necessity for continued dialogue and effective measures to ensure that the values of inclusivity and respect prevail both on and off the football pitch.
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