Josip Simunic found guilty of 'pro-Nazi chants'

By Michael Penkman, ReporterPublished: 22 November 2013 3:33 AM

Croatian public prosecutors find Josip Simunic guilty of leading alleged 'pro-Nazi chants' following Tuesday's match against Iceland in Zagreb.

Croatia defender Josip Simunic has been fined around £2,700 for orchestrating alleged 'pro-Nazi chants' following his country's World Cup playoff victory over Iceland on Tuesday.

Igor Stimac's men booked their place in Brazil thanks to goals from Mario Mandzukic and Darijo Srna, but the 34-year-old caused controversy after the match by shouting "For the homeland!" into a microphone, to which the crowd replied "Ready!".

The chant is believed to be linked to the pro-Nazi Ustasha regime, which ruled the country between 1941 and 1945, although the Dinamo Zagreb player claimed that he was only showing support for his country.

Public prosecutors have taken a different stance, and on Thursday Simunic was found guilty of public disturbance and inciting ethnic hatred.

"He was aware that it symbolises the official salute from the time of Croatia's totalitarian regime and as such represents a racist ideology," read a statement from Zagreb County Court.

Football against Racism in Europe (FARE) are claimed to have said that Simunic will also face a lengthy suspension, while FIFA are believed to be looking into the match.