Approximately 300 Croatian supporters made their way to the stadium before the game, engaging in actions such as singing nationalist songs, making Nazi salutes, and setting off smoke bombs, according to local media.
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Seven individuals were arrested by the French police for performing Nazi salutes during Sunday’s Nations League match at Stade de France.
The Paris police prefect, Laurent Nuñez, announced on Monday that the arrests were a result of increased security measures in place for the France-Croatia match held in Saint-Denis, close to the French capital.
Nuñez stated, “Sport is and must remain a celebration. These individuals have no place in a sports arena.”
The initial reports from the Paris police prefecture did not specify which team’s fans were arrested, but according to HINA, a state-owned news agency in Croatia, all detainees were Croatian citizens.
HINA reported that around 300 Croatian fans marched towards the stadium prior to kick-off, with some fans singing patriotic songs, performing Nazi salutes, and setting off smoke bombs.
Several supporters were seen repeating the Nazi salute during the playing of the Croatian national anthem and again in the first half of the match.
Firecrackers and flares were also ignited in the Croatian supporters’ section, according to the authorities.
HINA further reported that the police found “iron rods, telescopic batons, sharp wooden sticks, and smoke bombs” in the possession of some of the supporters.
However, after the final whistle, the fans dispersed peacefully, and their departure from the venue was uneventful.
Last year, UEFA imposed fines on Croatia and six other football federations for incidents of racist and discriminatory behavior by fans during the European Championship games.
Croatia received the largest fine, totaling €50,000, for incidents occurring during all three of its matches.
