Seven North Geelong Warriors Football Club fans charged over alleged Nazi salute photo
Seven men have been charged after allegedly performing the Nazi salute in Victoria’s southwest.
A photograph showed a group of 11 men, dressed in all black with their faces concealed, performing the salute before a soccer game in Geelong on February 8.
The caption on the photo, which emerged online, alleges the men pictured were North Geelong Warriors fans.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“North Geelong Warriors fans pre-game away to Geelong on Saturday night,” the caption said.
Following an extensive investigation, seven people were charged on summons for public display or performance of Nazi symbols or gestures.
The charged men — a 19-year-old from East Geelong, two 20-year-olds from Newtown, two 22-year-olds from Lara and North Geelong, a 23-year-old from Geelong, and a 25-year-old from Williams Landing — are all scheduled to appear before Geelong Magistrates Court on May 6.
Police said the maximum penalty if convicted of displaying Nazi symbols or gestures publicly is a fine of up to $23,710 or 12 months in jail, or both.
The North Geelong Warriors Football Club condemned the group’s actions as “offensive” and “antagonistic”.
“The club has no direct affiliation with individuals or groups who engage in such conduct, and we do not support any narratives that promote behaviour contrary to our values,” it said.
In Victoria, it is illegal to display or perform Nazi-related symbols and gestures.
“There is absolutely no place in our society for antisemitic, racist, or hate-based behaviour and such activity will not be tolerated,” a police spokesperson previously told 7NEWS.com.au.
Originally published on 7NEWS
