- by croatiaweek
- in Sport
(YouTube/Screenshot)
Three people have been arrested in Croatia following chants containing potentially criminal content during a Hajduk Split supporters’ procession ahead of the club’s match against Ajax, police have confirmed.
Split police said in a statement a criminal investigation was under way to establish all the circumstances surrounding the incident, identify those responsible and determine further legal action.
The three individuals were arrested on suspicion of committing the criminal offence of public incitement to violence and hatred under Article 325 of Croatia’s Criminal Code.
Police said several other people had been identified, with procedures under way to arrest and locate them. Officers are continuing to identify individuals from video recordings of the procession.
The incident occurred before the match between Hajduk Split and Dutch club Ajax at Split’s Poljud Stadium on Thursday, 15 October 2026.
As previously reported, footage from the procession showed some supporters chanting antisemitic slogans and making references to Adolf Hitler and Auschwitz.
The incident prompted strong condemnation from Croatian President Zoran Milanović, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, the Croatian Government and the Embassy of Israel in Zagreb.
According to the police statement, approximately 31,273 spectators attended the match, including around 1,413 visiting Ajax supporters.
Police said no incidents involving violent behaviour were recorded during the match itself.
A total of 28 people were taken to police premises during security operations. All were home supporters, with the reasons including possession of pyrotechnic devices, balaclavas, mouthguards and gloves with bandaging, as well as other offences and preventive police measures.
The departure of spectators after the match proceeded without incident, police said.
Officers also escorted the visiting supporters and Ajax team, with no incidents reported and no need for additional police intervention.
However, police recorded chants containing potentially punishable content during the home supporters’ procession before the match.
Police said the investigation was continuing to establish the facts and identify everyone suspected of involvement.
The three arrested individuals are being investigated on suspicion of public incitement to violence and hatred under Article 325 of the Criminal Code.
The offence carries a potential prison sentence of up to three years.
Authorities are continuing to review recordings and identify further suspects as the investigation progresses.