Adidas banned Germany fans from buying number 44

Adidas has banned fans from buying German football kits customised with the number 44, after media raised their resemblance to the symbol used by World War Two-era Nazi SS units.

The symbolism issue was first raised by historian Michael König, who said the design of the kits was very questionable.

Adidas spokesman Oliver Brüggen denied that the kit's resemblance to the Nazi symbols was intentional.

The SS rune was designed in 1929 for use by the Nazi units. Members of the SS ranged from Gestapo agents to concentration camp guards. SS duties included administering death camps where millions of Jews and others were put to death.

Adidas separately told the the media that the German Football Association (DFB) and its partners had designed the numbers on the shirts.

The same kit has met additional controversy for its choice of bright pink as the away colour. Supporters say the colour represents the country's diversity. But critics claim it is untraditional and has been introduced in order to raise money for the DFB.

Adidas has manufactured German jerseys since the 1950s. Germany will host this year's European Football Championship.