More images emerge as police investigation into North Geelong Warriors fans’ Nazi salute continues
More confronting images allegedly involving North Geelong soccer fans have emerged as police ramp up their investigation into the disturbing behaviour.
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More confronting images of a hardcore group of North Geelong soccer fans have emerged, raising concerns the behaviour that includes the Nazi salute is ingrained in some supporters.
It comes as a police spokeswoman confirmed eight people have been interviewed and an investigation is ongoing after an initial image of the North Geelong Warriors supporters performing the Nazi salute circulated on social media this week.
Police have obtained CCTV footage from the Croatian Club in Bell Park, the location where the photo was taken prior to the Warriors’ away game last weekend.
Another image, which appears to be taken at the same venue and features the same posters, has now come to light.
The faces in the image have been digitally covered by the insignia of the Nazi’s Totenkopf division, regarded as one of the its most brutal throughout World War II.
The original version of the image – seen by the Geelong Advertiser – shows the faces of multiple former and current soccer players in the Geelong region.
A separate video shows a former player of a now defunct amateur soccer team, who is present in the Totenkopf image, performing what appears to be a Nazi salute.
There is no suggestion the man is a current member of any soccer club.
Former Socceroo and human rights campaigner Craig Foster has condemned the behaviour.
“Sometimes it’s difficult to judge whether to give any oxygen to hate groups or otherwise,” he said.
“But when it’s in our multicultural game, we should all be strongly condemning it and ensuring that every real fan, young kids, clubs and administrators know that this vile, hateful and ugly behaviour is utterly abhorred and that everyone in the game is committed to exposing it.
“These groups are growing in Australia and must be condemned by us all.
“And that we all expect the harshest possible penalties to be imposed both by the law, and the game.”
Football Victoria confirmed it was aware of the initial image, which it labelled “concerning”.
“We strongly condemn the content of the image and will fully support Victoria Police in their investigation,” a spokesman said.
“Alongside this, Football Victoria is undertaking its own investigation and will take any necessary action in line with our commitment to promoting a safe and inclusive football community.”
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.
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Originally published as More images emerge as police investigation into North Geelong Warriors fans’ Nazi salute continues