North Geelong Warriors supporters’ Nazi salute photo investigated by police

A disturbing photo of a group of soccer supporters flashing the Nazi salute is being investigated by police after the club the fans are linked with condemned the act.

The eleven men posed for the photo prior to an NPL Victoria 2 match involving the North Geelong Warriors at the weekend.

They had their faces covered in the image with the Croatian flag, which was posted to the Suburban Ultras Australia Facebook page.

“North Geelong Warriors fans pre-game away to Geelong on Saturday night,” the caption said.

The North Geelong Warriors Football Club condemned the group’s actions, calling it “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.

“We are working closely with Football Victoria to address this matter and will take decisive action against anyone who brings NGWFC and the game of football into disrepute.”

Displaying or performing Nazi salutes is punishable by a year in jail in Victoria, but police said on Wednesday no complaint had been made about the image. They had changed their tune on Thursday.

“There is absolutely no place in our society for antisemitic, racist, or hate-based behaviour and such activity will not be tolerated,” a Victorian Police spokesperson said.

Croatia has an unfortunate history with Nazism. During World War II a Nazi-puppet government was established in Croatia after Yugoslavia had been occupied in 1941.

The ultra-nationalist Ante Pavelić government committed mass murder against Jews and Serbs.

Corio MP and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, whose seat covers North Geelong, told the Herald Sun: “The North Geelong Warriors have been swift in their condemnation of this group, rightly calling out this appalling behaviour.”

With 7NEWS