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Josip Siminuc defends pro-Nazi chants

By on November 20, 2013
Siminuc has defended himself after leading pro-Nazi chants following Croatia's 2-0 win over Iceland

Josip Siminuc has defended himself after leading pro-Nazi chants following Croatia’s 2-0 win over Iceland

Croatia Josip Simunic claimed he “did nothing wrong” after rallying a pro-Nazi chant after his country successfully qualified for the 2014 Brazil World Cup on Tuesday.   The 2-0 win over Iceland sealed the Croat’s qualification, but was marred by chants lead by Simunic at the end of the match.

The 35-year-old was videoed leading a war chant associated with the Ustashas, a pro-Nazi puppet regime which ruled the state during World War II.  The defender shouted “For the homeland!” into a microphone to the fans, who in reply responded by yelling, “Ready!”  The chant has been used before by Croatian fans and the Croatian FA has been fined by both Fifa and Uefa over the behavior, yet Fifa could be forced to once again take action after they receive the match report from the referees.

The governing body will then decide whether to introduce disciplinary proceedings, despite the fact that Simunic was adamant that he did nothing wrong.

Speaking immediately after the incident, he said: “Some people have to learn some history. I’m not afraid. I did nothing wrong. I’m supporting my Croatia, my homeland. If someone has something against it, that’s their problem.”

Siminuc leading the chant

Siminuc leading the chant

However, the Australian born player who was sent off after receiving three yellow cards in one match at the 2006 World Cup took a slightly more defensive stance when talking during a statement released on Wednesday.  “Even the thought that someone could put me in the context of incitement of hatred or violence is horrible,” he said.

“As a Croatian who was born and grew up outside my homeland, I associate home with love, warmth and positive struggle – everything that we showed on the pitch to win our place in the World Cup.

“And these were the only reasons I got carried away with my emotions and why I started the kind of exchange with the supporters.”

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Alex Morgan, founder of Football Every Day, lives and breaths football from the West Coast of the United States in California. Aside from founding Football Every Day in January of 2013, Alex has also launched his own journalism career and hopes to help others do the same with FBED. He covers the San Jose Earthquakes as a beat reporter for QuakesTalk.com and his work has also been featured in the BBC's Match of the Day Magazine.