German police investigate Maccabi Tel Aviv fans for Nazi salute

• German authorities investigate Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters for Nazi gestures and offensive chants.
• Six fans were temporarily detained for setting off fireworks before the Europa League match.

German police launched an investigation on Friday into a group of Maccabi Tel Aviv fans after they were reported making a provocative Nazi salute toward officers and chanting offensive slogans against Palestinians during a Europa League match.

Stuttgart police said six supporters were temporarily detained before Thursday evening’s match for repeatedly setting off fireworks. The individuals involved have since received stadium bans.

A young fan is also under investigation for giving a Nazi salute to police officers while heading to the stadium. Police said they are examining hateful and offensive slogans chanted by Maccabi Tel Aviv fans in close coordination with the public prosecutor’s office.

Social media footage reportedly shows fans singing songs with lyrics such as “There are no schools in Gaza because there are no children left,” along with other chants containing violent and hateful language directed at Palestinians.

Authorities have emphasized that the investigation will determine whether further criminal charges should be pursued.