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Sports

Croatian player fined for pro-Nazi chants after World Cup qualifier

Associated Press
Published | Updated
  • db3ddf2c-Croatia Soccer WCup Nazi Celebration
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    In this picture taken Tuesday Nov. 19, 2013 Croatia's defender Josip Simunic listens to the national anthem ahead of the World Cup qualifying playoff second leg soccer match against Iceland, in Zagreb, Croatia. Croatia's World Cup qualification celebrations have been marred by apparent pro-Nazi chants by fans and defender Joe Simunic. Croatia qualified for the World Cup with a 2-0 win over Iceland on Tuesday. Video footage shows Simunic taking a microphone to the field after the match and shouting to the fans: "For the homeland!" The fans respond: "Ready!" That was the war call used by the Croatian pro-Nazi puppet regime that ruled the state during World War II when tens of thousands Jews, Serbs and others perished in concentration camps. The Australian-born Simunic defended his action, saying "some people have to learn some history." (AP Photo/Darko Bandic) (The Associated Press)

  • 35179447-Croatia Soccer WCup Nazi Celebration
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    In this Nov. 19, 2013 file picture Croatia's defender Josip Simunic, left, is challenged by Iceland's Alfred Finnbogason during their World Cup qualifying playoff second leg soccer match against Iceland, in Zagreb, Croatia. Croatia's World Cup qualification celebrations have been marred by apparent pro-Nazi chants by fans and defender Josip Simunic. Croatia qualified for the World Cup with a 2-0 win over Iceland on Tuesday. Video footage shows Simunic taking a microphone to the field after the match and shouting to the fans: "For the homeland!" The fans respond: "Ready!" That was the war call used by the Croatian pro-Nazi puppet regime that ruled the state during World War II when tens of thousands Jews, Serbs and others perished in concentration camps. The Australian-born Simunic defended his action, saying "some people have to learn some history." (AP Photo/Darko Bandic) (The Associated Press)

ZAGREB, Croatia – A Croatian soccer player has been fined $4,300 for pro-Nazi chants after the national team qualified for the World Cup.

Croatia reached next year's tournament in Brazil by beating Iceland 2-0 on Tuesday. After the match, Joe Simunic took a microphone on the field and shouted to fans: "For the homeland!" The fans responded: "Ready!"

The call was used by the Croatian pro-Nazi puppet regime that ruled the state during World War II.

The prosecutor's office Simunic on Thursday for "spreading racial hatred." It said he was aware this was the call used by the WWII regime. Simunic has defended his action, saying he was driven by love for his country.

Soccer's governing body says it is considering disciplinary action against him.