Croatian police are currently investigating antisemitic chanting by Hajduk Split fans that occurred before their Conference League match against Ajax on Thursday. Disturbing footage surfaced online showing supporters chanting about Auschwitz and expressing support for Adolf Hitler.

A significant supporters' march to the stadium featured a yellow car adorned with a coffin marked "Ajax" on its roof, highlighting the historical ties between the Amsterdam club and the Jewish community.

Tena Simonovic Einwalter, Croatia's ombudswoman, condemned the incident as a "manifestation of hatred and intolerance." The Croatian government echoed this sentiment, stating:

We strongly condemn the unacceptable chants glorifying the Nazi regime that were recorded among a portion of fans before today's match in Split. Such shameful behaviour constitutes a negation of sport and the democratic values that modern Croatia cherishes.

Local police have confirmed that arrests were made in connection with the chants, and additional individuals have been identified for follow-up.

Despite the controversy, Hajduk managed to win the match 2-1, although play was interrupted for approximately 10 minutes due to fireworks in the stands. Following the game, the club issued a general apology on social media, without specifically mentioning the antisemitic chants. They expressed regret for the incident and extended apologies to attendees, the competition organizers, and Ajax management and players.

UEFA does not have jurisdiction over incidents outside the stadium but can act if issues arise within the stands. Croatian football has faced sanctions in the past for similar discriminatory behaviors. In 2015, the Croatian Football Federation apologized for a swastika found on the pitch before a qualifier against Italy. Moreover, a recent Nations League match against England was held under a stadium ban due to previous discriminatory conduct.

Simonovic Einwalter highlighted the troubling trend, stating, "Unfortunately, instead of decreasing and stopping, such phenomena are spreading more freely and intensifying, which is not surprising after previous similar behaviours were met with insufficient reaction from high-ranking officials and competent bodies."