Victorian police are investigating an impressive image of a group of football fans who were supposedly represented by Nazi greeting in a place in Geelong last weekend.
A group of ten individuals was seen in the photograph that was published in the Facebook group Ultras Australia, which is understood before a game on Saturday.
The image, which is understood that it was taken at the Croatian club in Separation Street in Geelong, seemed to show several members of the group who did the greeting.
The faces of the individuals had been digitally covered by an image of a person with a black mask and a hat that presented the Croatian flag.
The image was subtitled: “North Geelong Warriors' fans previously move away Geelong on Saturday night.”
The image has been condemned by many around the football community, including the warriors of Geelong del Norte, who quickly issued a statement in response to the image.
“Geelong North FC warriors strongly condemns any behavior that is disruptive, offensive, antagonistic or goes against the spirit of the game,” he read.
Victoria Police is investigating an image of multiple football fans who allegedly do Nazi greeting before a match last weekend
The image was published in the Facebook group of Ultras Australia ahead of a Warriors North Geelong game on Saturday
'The club does not have a direct affiliation with individuals or groups that participate in this behavior, and we do not support any narrative that promotes a behavior contrary to our values.
'We are working closely with Victoria football to address this matter and take decisive measures against anyone who brings NGWFC and the football game.
'North Geelong Warriors FC is a proud community club, based on respect, passion and integrity.
'Our true followers always put the club first, and we will not tolerate actions that undermine our values.
'To be clear, this type of behavior is not welcome in Elcho Park or anywhere else football.
“We thank our loyal members, players and the broader soccer community for their continuous support.”
A Victoria Police spokesman also condemned the photograph, stating that the investigators had obtained images of CCTV from the place on Wednesday while looking to “identify those involved.”
The Victorian Government made the act of carrying out illegal Nazi greeting in 2023. According to the legislation, a person convicted of intentionally showing a symbol or making a gesture used by the Nazi party in a public place can face a maximum fine of a fine of a fine of $ 23,000. and 12 months in prison.
“The police are aware of an image that circulates online that represents several men who do what seems to be a Nazi greeting,” said a Victorian police spokesman.
“There is absolutely any place in our society for anti -Semitic, racist or hate behavior and such activity will not be tolerated.”
The Croatian club has also denounced the alleged actions of those involved and said they were working with the Victoria Police on the matter.
A spokesman said in a statement that the Croatian club “did not approve or support this type of behavior.”
North Geelong Warriors issued a statement condemning the image and added that 'this type of behavior is not welcome in Elcho Park'
'We are absolutely disgusted by this behavior and extremely disappointed that an incident like this has occurred in our establishment.
'If we had been aware of this incident at that time, all people would have been eliminated from the facilities.
“The Victoria Police is investigating and our club is cooperating completely.”
The president of the Geelong North Warriors, Tom Pausak, further distanced the group of the group of individuals.
“I want to be clear that these people are not our followers,” he said.
'It is not who we are or what we defend.
“It will be treated by the Victoria Police.”
Victoria football is also carrying out its own investigation together with the police on the matter. The governing body issued a statement on Thursday that declared: 'Victoria football is aware of a worrying image that circulates on social networks.
'We firmly condemn the content of the image and we will completely support the Victoria Police in his investigation.
“Together with this, Victoria football is undertaking its own research and will take any necessary action in line with our commitment to promote a safe and inclusive football community.”
Dr. Dvir Abramovic has also criticized the actions of those involved, stating that the action was a “deliberate greeting to pure evil”
The president of the Anti-Defamation Commission, Dr. Dvir Abramovic, described the image of 'pure evil' and declared that individuals 'knew exactly what they were doing.'
'There are moments that force us to ask: who are we? What do we defend? This is one of them, ”he told Newswire.
'A group of men raised their arms in tribute to a regime that massacred millions, fully aware of the hatred they celebrated.
'This was not a drunk joke or a careless error. They joined together, knowing exactly what they were doing.
“It was a deliberate greeting to pure evil.”