The Football Association has handed lifetime bans to two England fans who made Nazi gestures at a match in Germany.

They are the first ever England fans to be given such a punishment for behaviour inside a stadium during a match.

The pair are also the subject of an ongoing police investigation.

One fan was spotted performing a Nazi salute, with another making a Hitler moustache gesture.

They have been banned from the England Supporters Travel Club, which is operated by the FA, meaning they are forbidden to attend away matches.

They will also be banned from attending England home games.

Other England fans booed Germany’s national anthem and started chants referring to the Second World War during the friendly game in March. Their behaviour was described as “inappropriate, disrespectful and disappointing” by FA chairman Greg Clarke.

Marie van der Zyl, the vice president of the Board of Deputies, welcomed the FA’s action.

She said: “The Football Association has made the right decision to hand down life bans to so-called supporters who made Nazi gestures. 

“We hope it acts as a lesson to such mindless thugs and anyone tempted to copy their ugly behaviour.”