German fans were banned from buying new national team jerseys after the media pointed out that the number 44 was similar to the symbol used by the Nazi SS during World War II.
SS troops were responsible for some of the most heinous crimes against humanity.
The SS, a paramilitary organization that helped bring Nazi leader Adolf Hitler to power, helped carry out the systematic murder of Jews during the Holocaust. The public display and dissemination of SS symbols is prohibited in Germany and may result in criminal prosecution.
Their new kit also caused further controversy due to the choice of away colours. Historian Michael König was the first to raise the issue, labeling the designs “very problematic”.
Adidas spokesman Oliver Brüggen denied that the jersey's resemblance to Nazi symbols was intentional and confirmed that fans would be banned from purchasing the No. 44 jersey.
“As a company, we are committed to opposing all forms of xenophobia, anti-Semitism, violence and hatred,” he said.
They also confirmed that a replacement number four will be designed for the jersey.
As for the away jersey, some fans complained that the pink away jersey is not traditional and is purely used to raise funds for the German Football Association.
However, others praised the choice of the kit as they believe it celebrates the diversity of Germany as a whole.
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