French prosecutors have dismissed proceedings against seven Croatian football fans arrested for allegedly performing Nazi salutes during the France-Croatia Nations League match in Paris, citing a lack of evidence.
The individuals were taken into custody following Sunday’s game at Stade de France, after Paris police prefect Laurent Nuñez confirmed their arrest on suspicion of making the controversial gestures.
However, the Bobigny prosecutor’s office later ruled that the available evidence was insufficient to support prosecution.
Lack of Evidence Leads to Dismissal
Anne-Laure Mestrallet, general secretary of the Bobigny prosecutor’s office, stated that the videos reviewed by authorities did not conclusively show Nazi salutes.
“The videos do not appear to be conclusive and show more gestures of supporters than Nazi salutes,” Mestrallet said.
Due to the lack of definitive proof, police custody for the seven individuals was lifted, and the case was dismissed.
Controversy Surrounding Croatian Fans’ Actions
According to the Croatian state news agency HINA, citing police sources, a group of around 300 Croatian fans marched toward the stadium before kick-off.
Some members of the group were seen singing patriotic songs, performing Nazi salutes, and setting off smoke bombs.
The incident sparked condemnation from officials and drew widespread attention, raising concerns over extremist behavior in football stadiums. French authorities had initially taken a firm stance, with Prefect Nuñez asserting that such individuals “had no business in a sports arena.”
Despite the decision to drop charges, the controversy surrounding the fans’ conduct remains, particularly given past incidents involving sections of Croatian supporters engaging in far-right gestures at international matches.
History of Similar Incidents
Croatian football has long battled associations with far-right extremism, with certain fan groups previously accused of displaying fascist symbols or chanting slogans linked to the country’s wartime past.
In 2016, the Croatian Football Federation was fined after fans formed a swastika on the pitch during a match against Italy.
FIFA and UEFA have imposed sanctions on Croatian football on multiple occasions, including fines and stadium bans, in response to discriminatory behavior by supporters. The latest incident in Paris has reignited debates about tackling extremist elements within fan bases.
Response from Authorities and Football Bodies
While the legal proceedings against the arrested fans have been dropped, French authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to monitoring and preventing such acts in sports venues.
It remains to be seen whether UEFA or the French Football Federation (FFF) will take disciplinary action against Croatian supporters as a whole. European football’s governing body has a history of investigating fan misconduct independently of legal rulings.
As Croatia prepares for future international matches, football officials are expected to review security measures and work towards ensuring that football remains free of politically charged and offensive gestures.
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