Police Detain Torcida Fans After Pro-Nazi Chants Ahead of Hajduk-Ajax Match

Police in Split apprehended several individuals identified as members of Torcida, the hardcore supporters of Hajduk Split, after they paraded through the city chanting antisemitic and pro-Nazi slogans such as “Trample the Jews” and “Rise, Adolf.” The chants took place a few hours before Hajduk's Conference League match against Ajax, a team known for its longstanding Jewish connections. Authorities opened a hate-speech investigation, and an investigating judge will decide on pre-trial detention, with more arrests anticipated.

The incident drew condemnation from the Croatian government, the mayor of Split, President Zoran Milanovic, and the Israeli embassy in Zagreb, which praised the swift official response. During the second half, Hajduk fans set off flares and firecrackers, causing a 12-minute interruption and exposing the club to a possible UEFA sanction. Following the 2-1 win, Hajduk issued an apology to Ajax and its supporters, though it did not reference the pre-match chants.