Outrage in Croatia: Hajduk Split Ultras Sing About Burning Jews and Hail Hitler

Antisemitic incidents and chants praising Hitler by Hajduk Split supporters ahead of a match against Ajax sparked widespread condemnation and demands for penalties.

The conduct of Hajduk Split soccer supporters belonging to the "Torcida" ultras group has triggered widespread public condemnation in Croatia and abroad following severe antisemitic incidents. According to news website Index.hr and newspaper Jutarnji list, during a march toward Poljud Stadium ahead of the club's match against Ajax Amsterdam, fans sang about burning Jews and shouted chants praising Adolf Hitler.

Jutarnji list reported that the hate speech and the use of pyrotechnics that caused a match interruption completely overshadowed Hajduk's 2:1 victory. Croatia's Ombudswoman, Tena Šimonović Einwalter, condemned the acts as a manifestation of hatred and intolerance, stressing that public condemnation is insufficient and that those responsible must be punished.