Josip Simunic
addressed fans with a call used by the pro-Nazi puppet regime during
second world war after Croatia reached the World Cup finals by defeating
Iceland. Photograph: Darko Bandic/AP
Croatia's public prosecutors have fined Josip Simunic for pro-Nazi chants after the national team's World Cup qualification.
Croatia reached the World Cup with a 2-0 win over Iceland on Tuesday. Simunic took up a microphone on the field after the match 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 the second world war.
The prosecutor office fined Simunic the equivalent of 3,200 euros (£2,600) on Thursday for "spreading racial hatred". It said the defender was aware this call was used by the wartime regime.
Simunic has defended his action, saying he was driven by love for his country. "The thought that anyone could associate me with any form of hatred or violence terrifies me," he said.
Fifa said it is considering disciplinary action against Simunic.
Croatia reached the World Cup with a 2-0 win over Iceland on Tuesday. Simunic took up a microphone on the field after the match 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 the second world war.
The prosecutor office fined Simunic the equivalent of 3,200 euros (£2,600) on Thursday for "spreading racial hatred". It said the defender was aware this call was used by the wartime regime.
Simunic has defended his action, saying he was driven by love for his country. "The thought that anyone could associate me with any form of hatred or violence terrifies me," he said.
Fifa said it is considering disciplinary action against Simunic.
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