Chaos in Split: Ajax supporters warned not to wear club colours

Ajax play Thursday against Hajduk Split in the Conference League at the Poljud Stadium, but chaos already reigns in the city of Split. Ajax Life warned even before the first ticket was sold that Hajduk Split supporters are known for their fanatical, sometimes aggressive following and that wearing Ajax clothing in the city centre can be dangerous. The warning was followed by incidents in which eighteen Amsterdamers were arrested and a fan described a violent confrontation.

Precautions and warnings

Ajax Life advised supporters not to wear Ajax scarves or shirts, especially not in the Varoš district and the old centre. It was also strongly discouraged to travel with families or children, because the safety risks would be high. The club called for a neutral and inconspicuous appearance and the use of common sense when choosing accommodation.

Fabian Nagtzaam of the Ajax Supporters Association spoke with a supporter who arrived in Split on Tuesday. The fan said he arrived at the airport at 22:30, had to hand over his passport to a security corps and only found a taxi at 00:30. Upon exiting, he was surrounded by men in black clothing, after which a group of about twenty armed men had enclosed him.

Incidents and arrests

The supporter described the situation as “different from anything I have seen before” and warned that the chaos would especially increase around the match and afterwards. He reported that he was attacked already one minute after arriving in Split and that it was naïve to think that it would stop there.

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According to Croatian media, eighteen Ajax supporters were arrested on a terrace in the centre, with the online newspaper index.hr stating that the action was preventive to avoid conflicts with local supporters. In footage from news site Tportal, stone blocks could be seen on the terrace tables, indicating a possible escalation.

Hajduk follower Duje Granić, quoted by, acknowledged the warnings from Ajax Life and found them sensible. He stated that the overwhelming majority of visitors can visit Split without problems, but that there is always a risk surrounding football rivalry and the ultra culture.

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Despite the tense atmosphere, Granić continues to hold respect for Ajax, which in Croatia is known for its European reputation and the 2019 Champions League semi‑final. However, he predicts a difficult match for the Amsterdamers, given Hajduk's aggressive playing style and the possible influence of the crowd.