Police in the Croatian coastal city of Split have apprehended at least a dozen supporters of the Hajduk Split football club, following a disturbing sequence of events in which unruly fans staged an anti-Semitic rally, clashed with law enforcement officers, and forcibly interrupted a European fixture against Dutch visitors Ajax.

The arrests, carried out on Friday, stemmed from a march on Thursday evening where thousands of fans brazenly shouted derogatory slurs against Jewish people and chanted praise for Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler. The procession notably featured a mock coffin emblazoned with the name of Ajax—a club historically linked to Amsterdam’s Jewish community—strapped to the roof of a leading vehicle.

The ugly outburst provoked widespread condemnation across Croatia, with President Zoran Milanovic and the country's officials harshly rebuking the supporters and demanding immediate accountability. Police confirmed the detention of 12 individuals on preliminary charges of inciting violence and hatred, while signaling that further arrests remain highly probable as investigations continue.

In addition to the pre-match demonstration, Hajduk ultras engaged in violent clashes with police and hurled flares onto the pitch, causing a 12-minute suspension of the game. Despite the chaotic atmosphere, Hajduk secured a 2-1 victory over Ajax in the UEFA Conference League, marking the Croatian club's first major European home appearance in 16 years.

Source: www.aljazeera.com