Adidas bans German football fans from customising jerseys with the number 44 amid claims it bared striking resemblance to Nazi SS logo

Adidas has banned German football fans from customising Jerseys with the number 44 amid claims it bares a striking resemblance to the logo for the Nazi SS units. 

The sports brand confirmed they have 'blocked the personalisation of the jerseys' but claimed the resemblance to the Nazi symbol was unintentional. 

SS units were the most responsible for crimes against humanity committed by the Nazis during World War Two. 

The issue with the personalised kit was first brought up by historian Michael König, who described its design as 'very questionable'. 

He wrote on X: 'Historically it is very questionable to allow such jerseys for the home European Championship.' 

Members of the SS, designed by the Nazi units in 1929, varied from Gestapo agents to concentration camp guards. 

Adidas has banned German football fans from customising Jerseys with the number 44 amid claims it bares striking resemblance to the logo for the Nazi SS units

An SS logo is seen on the clothes of a German soldier in approximately 1935 (File image) 

Duties of SS members included managing concentration camps where millions of Jews and other people were killed. 

Adidas spokesman Oliver Brüggen said: 'We as a company are committed to opposing xenophobia, anti-Semitism, violence and hatred in every form.' 

Meanwhile, for the first time in history, the kit's colour is bright pink - with supporters claiming the colour was picked to represent the country's diversity, the BBC reported. 

However, some critics have claimed the colour has been introduced to make money for the German Football Assocation (DFB). 

Germany is set to host this 2024's European Football Championship, which will be held across 10 different cities. 

The issues raised with the personalised Germany kit comes after England's kit for the 2024 games was also widely criticised. 

Nike caused fury among England football fans for going 'woke' after giving the country's kit a controversial overhaul by altering the St George's flag.

The American sportswear company switched the traditional red cross for one featuring navy, light blue and purple on the shirt which costs up to £125.

Supporters and commentators blasted Nike for making what the firm described as a 'playful update' on the collar to 'unite and inspire' fans.

Some subsequently branded the new Three Lions shirt 'woke' following its launch on Monday and demanded the flag be returned to its original colours. 

But neither Nike nor the Football Association (FA) have plans to recall the kit – with sources claiming that the altered flag is a nod to the 1966 World Cup winners. 

A Nike spokesperson said: 'The England 2024 Home kit disrupts history with a modern take on a classic.

'The trim on the cuffs takes its cues from the training gear worn by England's 1966 heroes, with a gradient of blues and reds topped with purple. The same colours also feature an interpretation of the flag of St. George on the back of the collar.'

MailOnline has contacted Adidas for comment.