Gamba apologize over flag

Japanese J-League side Gamba Osaka have apologized after a flag reportedly bearing markings similar to those of the Nazi SS was displayed during a recent match.

Gamba supporters were seen waving a flag with the markings “very similar to the symbol” of the Nazi paramilitary organization in the form of a double S during a game on Sunday, team spokesman Kenji Okunaga said Friday.

The incident came after the JLeague in 2014 ordered the Urawa Red Diamonds, one of its teams, to play in an empty stadium as punishment for a “Japanese only” banner that fans displayed during a match in Tokyo.

The J-League prohibits displays of any kind linked to political ideology, religion or race and also bans racial and other forms of discrimination. Marathon