Croatian police charge 23 Hajduk fans
The charges follow antisemitic and Nazi slogans before the match against Ajax.
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Croatian police have charged 23 Hajduk Split supporters with voicing pro-Nazi and antisemitic slogans. The incidents took place around the Conference League match against Ajax in Split.
Police announced on Monday that criminal complaints had been filed against 23 people. They are suspected of publicly inciting violence and hatred during a supporters’ march before the match between Hajduk Split and Ajax.
According to the AFP news agency, the slogans glorified Adolf Hitler and insulted Jews. Police did not disclose which suspects allegedly made which specific remarks. The charges do not mean that the suspects have been found guilty.
The march took place on 15 October in Split. The supporters’ association Torcida, an influential hardcore group around Hajduk, headed towards the stadium. According to AP, the match was temporarily disrupted by disturbances involving fans and police action.
Hajduk Split condemned the behaviour of some of its supporters and apologised to Ajax and UEFA. The club stressed that the remarks did not represent the entire support base or the club.
The case could also have sporting consequences. It is unclear whether a disciplinary investigation is under way. What sanctions may be possible depends on the match report and UEFA rules; no decision has yet been announced.
The charges come amid a broader debate in Croatia about far-right nationalist symbols and antisemitism in football stadiums. Police say the investigation into other people involved may continue. The 23 charged supporters are legally considered suspects until a court delivers a verdict.
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One story, several perspectives
What is established
- Police have charged 23 people over hateful and pro-Nazi remarks.
- The incidents took place before a European football match in Split.
- Hajduk Split has condemned the behaviour of some of its supporters.
Left
Arguments The club and government must take firmer action against racist and antisemitic remarks, including when they are made by a hardcore group of supporters.
Values Equal treatment, protection of minorities and a safe public space.
Consequences A firm approach could lead to stadium bans, prosecution and greater oversight, but from this perspective it prevents hatred from becoming normalised.
Centre
Arguments Criminal action should remain focused on demonstrably criminal remarks and individual responsibility, while clubs enforce their own safety rules.
Values The rule of law, proportionality and the independence of sports organisations.
Consequences This could produce a more careful procedure, but makes the response slower and less visible.
Right
Arguments Football clubs and supporters’ groups should maintain order themselves; the state should act against specific criminal offences, not against hardcore or provocative supporter culture as a whole.
Values Public order, individual responsibility and restraint in government intervention.
Consequences This approach limits broad measures, but critics say it may be insufficient when groups feel protected by anonymity.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The article’s core claims are confirmed by AP and AFP. The text carefully attributes the suspicions and possible UEFA consequences.
- confirmed Croatian police have charged 23 supporters. — Reported by AFP/NAMPA on 19 October 2026. source
- confirmed The incidents took place around the Hajduk Split–Ajax match in Split. — AP describes the supporters’ march and the disrupted match. source
- confirmed The suspects are not yet legally guilty. — This follows from the legal status of a person who has been charged; the sources report charges, not convictions. source
Editor's note
It is certain that police have charged 23 people and that the complaints relate to remarks made around Hajduk-Ajax. It has not been established which person made which slogan, or whether UEFA will impose a sanction.Sources
More on this in Dutch media
- Het Parool — „hajduk split”
- Trouw — „hajduk split”
- NRC — „hajduk split”