Football fans will no longer be able to purchase customized Adidas German football jersey No. 44 following criticism over its resemblance to a Nazi symbol, Hypebeast reports.
Many have reportedly compared the font used on the No. 44 jerseys to the Armanen runic symbol of the Nazi Schutzstaffel (SS).
The SS operated under the leadership of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party and were known as one of the biggest perpetrators of the Holocaust. Historian Michael König was the first to point out the problem and called the design of the kits "very questionable."
Adidas spokesman Oliver Bruggen explained that any similarity was not intentional: “Adidas employs people from approximately 100 countries. Our company is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion, and as a company we actively oppose xenophobia, anti-Semitism, violence and hatred in all forms.”
Also, the company told the BBC that the design of this kit was the responsibility of the German Football Association (DFB) and its partners.
The DFB said the figures had been sent to UEFA for review and that "none of the parties involved saw any proximity to Nazi symbolism in the shirt design process." “However, we take comments very seriously and do not want to provide a platform for debate. We will develop an alternative design for number 44 and approve it with UEFA."
Follow NEWS.am STYLE on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
16:03, May 9
Armenia trip gives Tamlyn Currin ‘Drink Writer of the Year’ title15:26, May 9
First ever Robert De Niro Festival to be held in New York14:34, May 9
Keanu Reeves wants to direct the third part of the Speed franchise with Sandra Bullock12:16, May 9
Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie returning to reality TV11:18, May 9
Khloe Kardashian tells how she lost 36 kg10:55, May 9
Kim Kardashian as ‘broken Margiela doll’10:22, May 9
Kris Jenner reveals she has tumor21:11, May 8
World’s ex-richest man, Warren Buffett: Success isn't about money, it's about being loved by those you want to love20:26, May 8
Sylvester Stallone's watches, including ‘Holy Grail’ of his collection, to be auctioned19:27, May 8
New York's Times Square tops list of world’s worst tourist traps16:32, May 8
Horror movie to be made about Jesus’ childhood15:11, May 8
Khloe Kardashian speaks about problems she faced after birth of her son, Tatum