GERMANY'S WORLD CUP AWAY STRIPEnglish newspaper in 'black shirts' Nazi scandal
A British tabloid has kicked up a storm ahead of the World Cup by claiming Germany’s new black away strip is a Nazi throwback!
The kit – which reflects the colours worn by German players in their first-ever international in 1898 – was exclusively revealed by BILD yesterday.
But under a story entitled ‘Return of ze black shirts’, the trashy ‘Daily Star’ claims the shirts are reminiscent of those worn by Adolf Hitler’s notorious SS. Along with Fascists in Italy and the UK, they were known as Black Shirts.
And the scandal newspaper wasn’t finished there, claiming the move was “a goose-step too far”.
The Adidas strip also features white shorts and was an instant hit with fans in Germany.
But the ‘Daily Star’ claimed: “Germany is set to kick up a Reich stink at the World Cupby playing in Nazi-style black shirts.”
An unbelievable claim from the country which calls itself the Home of Football!
And the tackiness wasn’t finished, as the article was illustrated with a picture of Germany captain Michael Ballack – who plays for English club Chelsea – next to a portrait of Hitler.
It was the height of poor taste, coming the day after International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
But there is a history of such references – England and Germany have shared a big sporting rivalry for years, and the Nazi jibes are quick to come out when the teams face each other on the field.
Before the Euro 96 semi-final in London, one UK newspaper headline read: “Let’s Blitz Fritz!”
And the ‘Daily Mail’ wanted to force then-German coach Berti Vogts and his team into the ultimate retreat from ‘enemy territory’, in this case Wembley Stadium.
BILD.de says: Some healthy teasing between two competitors can help energise sport – but here the dead have been mocked, and the living defamed.
That has nothing to do with sport!
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