Nazi-style chants upset German players

– Germany’s players have blasted a hardcore group of “fans” for shouting Nazi-era chants during a World Cup qualifier as the world champions hope to secure a finals berth tonight.

Germany have three qualifiers left but can wrap up their place at next year’s tournament in Russia by beating Norway in Stuttgart tonight if nearest rivals Northern Ireland fail to beat the Czech Republic the same night in Belfast.

However, the behaviour of a group of travelling fans in Friday’s 2-1 win against the Czechs in Prague has shocked Joachim Loew’s team.

The chants were particularly embarrassing from a German perspective as they came on the

Berlin

anniversary of the invasion of Poland by Nazi Germany, which started World War II in 1939.

Mats Hummels’ late header in Prague maintained Germany’s perfect record of seven wins from seven World Cup qualifiers.

But the result was tainted by the repulsive chants, while German fans whistled during the minute’s silence before kick-off for two deceased Czech officials.

Chants of “Sieg Heil” (Hail Victory) from a block of German fans during the game were heard by the horrified players on the pitch.

German striker Timo Werner was also verbally abused by a 200-strong group of travelling supporters despite scoring the opening goal after four minutes.

The 21-year-old RB Leipzig forward is unpopular after diving to win a penalty during a controversial Bundesliga match last season at Schalke.

The players refused to go to the away block after the final whistle, as is customary.

“The chants were a catastrophe – really bad,” fumed Hummels. “That started during the minute’s silence, which showed the bad behaviour of some fans.

“Timo Werner was insulted and ridiculed, that is when the fans started shouting that shit.

“We distance ourselves completely from it and want nothing to do with it.

“That’s why we didn’t go (to the away fans).” –