Geelong police work to unmask Nazi saluting soccer fans

Geelong Police have received CCTV footage which could be key in unmasking soccer fans who performed Nazi salutes in Bell Park.

An image emerged on a Facebook group about 6.30pm on Tuesday appearing to show fans of the North Geelong Warriors football club performing the salutes.

Local cops are working to unmask the soccer fans pictured performing Nazi salutes at a Bell Park venue over the weekend.

Victoria Police confirmed that officers in Geelong had progressed their investigation into an online image which appears to show several men performing Nazi salutes in the smokers area at the Croatian Club on Separation St on Saturday.

The men in the image had their faces digitally covered by a logo which featured a man wearing a black mask and a hat featuring the Croatian flag.

A spokesman said investigators had on Wednesday gathered CCTV footage from the venue in order to “identify those involved”.

“There is absolutely no place in our society for anti-Semitic, racist, or hate-based behaviour and such activity will not be tolerated,” he said.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

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EARLIER: Geelong leaders slam ‘appalling’ Nazi salutes by soccer fans

Geelong leaders have slammed a group of local soccer fans who performed the Nazi salute at a Bell Park venue on the weekend, as the club distances itself from their confronting actions.

The shocking image, allegedly of North Geelong Warriors Football Club supporters, was taken at the Croatian Club on Separation St and emerged on social media Tuesday evening.

A group of men, all wearing black, posed in the venue’s smoking area.

The majority of those pictured were performing the illegal gesture, while all had their faces covered digitally with a logo featuring the Croatian flag.

North Geelong Warriors promptly issued a statement via social media condemning the behaviour, while president Tom Pausak further distanced the club from the actions.

An image has emerged on Facebook group appearing to show fans of the North Geelong Warriors Football Club performing the Nazi salute.

“I want to be clear that these people are not our supporters,” he said.

“It’s not who we are, or what we stand for.

“It will be dealt with by Victoria Police.”

Football Victoria are understood to be investigating the matter but did not respond to questions before deadline, despite multiple attempts.

Deputy Prime Minister and Corio MP Richard Marles condemned the behaviour, which he said was “not a representation of Geelong as we all know it”.

“The North Geelong Warriors have been swift in their condemnation of this group, rightly calling out this appalling behaviour,” he said.

The image was posted on the Facebook page of Suburban Ultras Australia, which said the photo was taken prior to the club’s game against Geelong Soccer Club at Stead Park on Saturday night.

Dr Ambramivich has called on Victoria Police to “act now”. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

Geelong councillors Anthony Aitken, Eddy Kontelj and mayor Stretch Kontelj, as well as Lara MP Ella George, were all in attendance.

Mr Aitken, who left at half time, said the game was mostly conducted in good spirit.

“Flares were set off, and the risk of that type of behaviour is that people can get injured, so it is unacceptable,” he said.

“Apart from that, I had no reason to feel unsafe, I was actually enjoying the match, the rivalry is very amicable.”

Mr Aitken said of the salutes prior to the match: “It’s certainly not behaviour the council or the two clubs accept, all of us jointly condemn it.”

Stretch Kontelj said there was “no place” for the gesture, describing it as “very ignorant, stupid actions”.

“I don’t believe there is any place for that at all, in any city, not only Geelong,” he said.

Ms George said “there is no place for behaviour like this at sporting events or anywhere in our community”.

Anti-Defamation Commission chair Dvir Abramovich welcomed the club’s swift rejection of “this filth”.

“There is no place for this kind of anti-Semitism, hatred and violence we’ve seen recently,” he said.

A Victoria Police spokesman said authorities were aware of the image.

“No official complaints have been received in relation to the matter and as such we are uncertain when and where the incident has occurred,” he said.

The Victorian government introduced laws in 2023 that made it an offence to perform the Nazi salute, with the maximum penalty 12 months imprisonment and a $23,000 fine.

Anyone with information on the matter is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Originally published as Geelong police work to unmask Nazi saluting soccer fans