Why the no. 88 is considered Nazi? What does Hitler have to do with it? Why will he no longer be used in football?-Corriere.it

Today the government, in the context of the fight against anti-Semitism, has also introduced significant changes in the world of football, starting with the suspension of the match in the event of anti-Semitic chants, acts and expressions, but not only (The fans will be happy every week they display unambiguous symbols and, in theory, have been banned for a long time). He also ordered the prohibition, for footballers, to wear the n. 88. But why should this number be considered forbidden?

The 8 as the H and salute to Hitler

The eighth letter of the alphabet, in the Latin one, the H. As the surname of Adolf Hitler. And the double 8, for neo-Nazi groups, can also be read as HH, i.e. Heil Hitler. The Nazi salute, indeed.

Jewish communities

For years here in Italy – but also in the rest of Europe – the Jewish community has been pointing the finger at Serie A players who wear number 88; one of the first was in 2001 Gigi Buffon, who first said he was denied the 00 to represent the balls, and then admitted he didn’t know the story

Not just an Italian problem

But a problem that is not only shared by more or less aware players – Buffon is the most famous, but also Borriello, Pasalic, Basic or Praszelik – right-wing fans. it also happened to the American giant Procter & Gamble to run into such an injury. On the occasion of the World Cup in Brazil, in 2014, a special promotion on Ariel detergent was spread in Germany, signaling that the new formula allowed for an increased number of washes. How many? 88. Where? Drawing the infamous number on a German national team shirt. And arousing largely enthusiastic comments on the network.