Navijači vzklikali »Auschwitz, Auschwitz« in »Vstani, Adolf!«

A football match between Hajduk Split and Ajax in Split ended with 57 people detained due to fan violence, antisemitic and Nazi slogans, and pyrotechnics. The home team won 2:1 in the first round of the league phase of the Conference League, but the game was marked by incidents that led to its suspension for 12 minutes. According to Croatian media, including index.hr, the match was interrupted because of smoke from fireworks, which impaired visibility on the field. The violence began late Wednesday evening at the Riva promenade, where approximately 500 fans gathered, around 200 Ajax supporters and 300 local Hajduk supporters. Police used force to separate groups and restore order within 15 minutes. They detained 57 individuals, among them 19 Ajax supporters who received preliminary seven-day prison sentences and two-year bans from the Riva and Poljud areas, although these decisions are not yet final. Two Dutch citizens suffered minor injuries during the incidents. Before the match, Hajduk fans marched through the city and chanted antisemitic, Nazi, and Ustasha slogans. They shouted "Auschwitz, Auschwitz," "Wake up, Adolf," and "Kill the Jews." A car leading the procession had a cross with the word "Ajax" written on it. Fans also sang a song with antisemitic lyrics referencing Nazi crematoria. The police confirmed they are investigating the chanting of prohibited slogans and have launched a criminal investigation to determine the circumstances and identities of those responsible. Croatian authorities condemned the Nazi regime references made by some fans, while opposition parties called for swift action by the police and judiciary. The government expressed disapproval of the chants that glorified the Nazi regime. The incidents prompted Ajax to issue a safety warning to its fans before the match, stating that several had been intimidated and physically assaulted in Split. Some taxi drivers allegedly revealed to passengers that they were transporting Ajax fans, leading to attacks upon their exit. In one instance, a group of about 20 masked men approached a fan with weapons. Four Dutch nationals sought medical attention at the Split Clinical Center, two suffering minor injuries from separate attacks. Details about the injuries sustained by the last two Dutch nationals are unknown. The police detained six Croatian citizens over two separate attacks on Dutch nationals and another ten individuals for possession of illegal items. On Tuesday and early Wednesday, the police arrested 32 people, including 19 foreigners and 13 Croatian citizens. Ajax issued a safety advisory for its fans, urging them not to wear club clothing or scarves, avoid recognizable groups, and follow guidelines for organized transport to the stadium. The club warned that even rides via taxi apps might not always be safe. Hajduk apologized to spectators, television audiences, organizers, and Ajax's management and players, expressing regret over the incidents and taking responsibility for the actions of its fans. The match took place at the Poljud stadium in Split on Thursday at 18:45 local time. The European Football Union (UEFA) could impose disciplinary measures against Hajduk due to the incidents. Croatian media, including Dnevnik and Žurnal24, reported on the fan violence and the arrests. The incidents overshadowed Hajduk's victory, which could face disciplinary action from UEFA.