Police investigate shocking photo of Australian football fans – as image is condemned as ‘a deliberate salute to pure evil’

Victorian police are investigating a shocking image of a group of football fans who were pictured allegedly performing a Nazi salute at a venue in Geelong last weekend.

A group of ten individuals were seen in the photograph which was published on the Suburban Ultras Australia Facebook group which is understood to have been taken prior to a game on Saturday. 

The picture, which is understood to have been taken at the Croatian Club on Separation Street in Geelong, appeared to show multiple members of the group performing the salute.

The faces of the individuals had been covered digitally by an image of a person wearing a black mask and a hat which featured the Croatian flag.

The image was captioned: ‘North Geelong Warriors fans pre-game away to Geelong on Saturday night.’

The image has been condemned by many around the football community, including the North Geelong Warriors, who quickly issued a statement in response to the image.

‘North Geelong Warriors FC strongly condemns any behaviour that is disruptive, offensive, antagonistic or goes against the spirit of the game,’ it read.

Victoria police are investigating an image of multiple football fans allegedly performing a Nazi  salute ahead of a match last weekend 

The image was published on the Suburaban Ultras Australia Facebook group ahead of a North Geelong Warriors match on Saturday

‘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.

‘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.

‘North Geelong Warriors FC is a proud community club, built on respect, passion, and integrity.

‘Our true supporters always put the club first, and we will not tolerate actions that undermine our values.

‘To be clear—this type of behaviour is not welcome at Elcho Park or any other Football Venue.

‘We thank our loyal members, players, and the wider football community for their continued support.’

A spokesperson for Victoria police has also condemned the photograph, stating that investigators had obtained CCTV footage from the venue on Wednesday as they looked to ‘identify those involved’.

The Victorian government made the act of performing a Nazi salute illegal in 2023. Under the legislation, a person found guilty of intentionally displaying a symbol or performing a gesture used by the Nazi Party in a public place can face a maximum penalty of a $23,000 fine and 12 months in prison.

‘Police are aware of an image circulating online depicting a number of men performing what appears to be a Nazi salute,’ a Victorian police spokesperson said.

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

The Croatian Club have also denounced the alleged actions of those involved and said they were working with Victoria Police on the matter.

A spokesperson said in a statement that the Croatian Club ‘did not condone or support this type of behaviour.’

North Geelong Warriors issued a statement condemning the image adding that ‘this type of behaviour is not welcome at Elcho Park’  

‘We are absolutely disgusted by this behaviour and extremely disappointed that an incident like this has occurred on our establishment.

‘Had we been 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.’

North Geelong Warriors president Tom Pausak further distanced the club from the group of individuals.

‘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 is also conducting its own investigation alongside police into the matter. The governing body issued a statement on Thursday stating: ‘Football Victoria is aware of a concerning image circulating on social media.

‘We strongly condemn the content of the image and will fully support Victoria Police in their investigation.

‘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.’

Dr Dvir Abramovic has also criticised the actions of those involved, stating the action was a ‘deliberate salute to pure evil’

Anti-Defamation Commission chairman Dr Dvir Abramovic called the image ‘pure evil’ and stated that the individuals ‘knew exactly what they were doing.’

‘There are moments that force us to ask: Who are we? What do we stand for? This is one of them,” he said to NewsWire.

‘A group of men raised their arms in tribute to a regime that butchered millions – fully aware of the hate they were celebrating.

‘This wasn’t a drunken prank or a careless mistake. They stood together, knowing exactly what they were doing.

‘It was a deliberate salute to pure evil.’

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