TWO Huddersfield students who created a sick Nazi drinking game have apologised.
Members of the “Hitler Drinking Game” group published pictures of themselves around cards in the shape of a Swastika and even offering Nazi salutes.
On the Facebook page created by Nicholas Rowley and Anthony Pike, the pair describe themselves as “Fuhrers” and offer to promote members to Nazi “officers” if they send pictures of themselves playing the game.
Pictures, which students posted on the public website, include some with swastikas drawn on their bodies, and one with a Hitler moustache.
Veterans associations yesterday reacted with shock, saying that the Nazi regime had targeted students and they had made light of the sacrifices made to guarantee their freedom.
The pair told The Examiner they wanted to apologise for the offence caused.
Mr Pike said: “I’ve spoken to Nick and we both want to say that we are sincerely sorry.
“It was only ever intended to be a game and has clearly gone beyond a joke. We will be removing the group from Facebook immediately.
“We never expected this to reach the press and feel some of the coverage was inaccurate.
“It was made clear on the site that we in no way sympathise with Hitler or Nazi ideals.
“We were very concerned about some of the photos which were posted but were copied by the press before we had a chance to take them down.
“Obviously we realise that a large number of people sacrificed themselves for this country and this was never an attack on them.”
They have gone into great detail about the rules of the game which entail taking cards from the fascist symbol which relate to how much should be drunk, as well as “interrogating” others with questions.
Creator of the group Rowley had written on the site: “I am most pleased with the pace at which the group is spreading.
“Thank you to everybody for your kinds words. HEIL!”
Pike adds: “Can’t believe how much love there is for Hitler. HEIL!”
Professor Peter Slee, deputy vice-chancellor at the university, said: “We are shocked to hear about this game, and extremely disturbed at the allegations that students at this University have been taking part in it.
“This is a highly unusual incident and the University prides itself on its multi-cultural, cohesive campus.
“We will be investigating these allegations, which we take very seriously, and will take appropriate action once these investigations are complete.”
Student Union President Junaid Ejaz said: “The University of Huddersfield Students’ Union is shocked by and condemns those involved in ‘Hitler the Drinking Game’.
“To trivialise and play games based on Nazism, which killed so many millions of innocent people from all communities, is disgraceful and disrespectful.
“Any allegations against students will be investigated and appropriate action will be taken.”
Approximately six million European Jews were killed in the Holocaust during World War II in a program of systematic state-sponsored extermination by Nazi Germany.
