Big Joe Šimunić in trouble again?
November 20, 2013
Joe Šimunić after the game
Photo:Damir Krajač/CROPIX
Joe Šimunić will one day go down as one of the best defenders in Croatian history. However, Joe will most likely be remembered for his 3 yellow cards in one game against Australia in the 2006 World Cup in Germany, the red card he received against Serbia two months ago in Beograd, and for his actions after Croatia’s 2-0 win over Iceland on Tuesday night in Zagreb. Video footage taken by Adrian Svirčić shows Šimunić taking a microphone onto the field after the match and shouting “Za dom spremni!” (“For the homeland!”) to the fans. The fans responded with: “Spremni!” (“Ready!”)
That was the war call used by Ustaše that ruled the state during World War II. However, what most people don’t know is that “Za dom spremni” was used hundreds of years before the Ustasa. The line was first used by Nikola Šubić Zrinski in the 16th century protecting the Croatian people from the Turks and then later by Croatian ban, Josip Jelačić.
Word quickly spread around the world as Australian, American, English, and German media reported on the story. The Daily Mail, Huffington Post, Sydney Morning Herald, SB Nation, Eurosport, and SkySports jumped all over this story.
FIFA and UEFA both consider this chant to be offensive and punishment is surely around the corner for the HNS and Šimunić. Croatian media has already slammed the Dinamo Zagreb defender as 24sata wrote: “Our team has waited for this celebration for a long time and Joe ruins everything,” but the man himself continues to justify his line as “patriotic.” Croatian manager, Niko Kovač refused to comment on the issue, but was seen in this video from Vacant Cranium quickly leaving the pitch as Šimunić is seen in the background on the pitch after the game.
The Australian-born Šimunić defended his action, saying “some people have to learn some history. I’m not afraid. I did nothing wrong. I’m supporting my Croatia, my homeland. If someone has something against it, that’s their problem.”
There was no immediate reaction from FIFA to the latest incident. FIFA spokesperson told Perform: “We are in the process of analysing the different match officials’ reports and gathering information. We cannot comment further for the time being.” We ask CSR nation this: What is your take on Joe Simunic’ actions after the game?
