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German hooligans chant Nazi slogans at World Cup match

Head coach condemns 'deplorable demonstrations'

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Senior figures in German football have joined the widespread condemnation of a section of Germany's fans who chanted Nazi slogans at a World Cup qualifying match in the Czech Republic on Friday.

Joachim Löw, the head coach who led Germany to victory in the 2014 World Cup, said chants of "sieg heil" from hooligans in the stadium in Prague brought "shame on our country".

Mr Löw said: "I am not so much upset or sad as I am full of rage, I think that describes my feelings better." 

The chanting took place during a minute's silence before the match in memory of two Czech football officials who had recently died.

Reinhard Grindel, head of the German FA, said that the association was considering tighter controls on who is able to buy tickets for Germany matches. 

"We must discuss the issue of tickets together with the other European associations and find ways to ensure more control across Europe," Mr Grindel told Kicker magazine.

"We have a traceable allocation for our contingent through the national team's fan club. The truth is that in countries like San Marino and the Czech Republic, there are absolutely no checks, because, for example, local residents can pass on tickets unchecked (to away fans) and tickets are freely available."

Reports suggest that up to 200 Germans bought tickets in a block of the stadium meant for home supporters from a local ticketing outlet in Prague.

Mr Löw said he would welcome moves to prohibit ticket sales to hooligans.

“We don’t want them, we’re not their national team, and they’re not our fans," Mr Löw said. "Given our history, it’s very important for us to represent our country in a dignified fashion and its values of tolerance, respect and openness to the world. These troublemakers demean this image.”

He added: "I’m full of anger and I’m very much shaken to see that some so-called fans use football, and an international match, for their deplorable demonstrations.”

Fifa, world football's governing body, said on Monday that it may launch an investigation into the actions of the supporters.

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