Police gathering evidence into North Geelong Nazi salute as venue speaks out

Geelong’s Croatian Club says it is “absolutely disgusted” by the recent behaviour of some patrons, as police continue their investigation into an image that has sent shockwaves through a local soccer club.

This image has sent shockwaves through a local soccer club.

Police continue to gather evidence against a group of local soccer supporters who allegedly performed the Nazi salute, as the Bell Park venue where the image was taken says it is “absolutely disgusted” by the behaviour.

Prior to charges being laid, a Victoria Police spokesman said a brief of evidence must be compiled and authorised, a process that could take weeks.

The state 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.

The Geelong Advertiser reported last week that eight people had been interviewed regarding the image that taken on February 8 at the Croatian Club on Separation St.

Police have obtained CCTV footage from the venue to their investigation.

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

It comes as Croatian Club president Frank Sarcevic condemned the behaviour via the club’s Facebook.

“Our club has been made aware of a photograph of a group of men displaying anti-Semitic behaviour which was taken on Saturday afternoon in the front outdoor area of our club,” he said.

“We are absolutely disgusted in this behaviour and extremely disappointed that an incident like this has occurred (in) our establishment.

“As a club, we do not condone or support this behaviour, and had we been made aware of this incident at the time, all individuals would have been removed from the premises.

“Victoria Police is investigating and our club is fully co-operating.”

The North Geelong Warriors club are also co-operating with police, condemning the behaviour when it became aware last week.

Football Victoria, which labelled the image “concerning” and said it was undertaking its own investigation, declined to comment further.

“As an investigation is underway with Victoria Police, Football Victoria has no further comment at this stage,” a spokesman said.

Originally published as Police gathering evidence into North Geelong Nazi salute as venue speaks out