Independent Online Edition > Lonsdale faces ban over 'neo-Nazi associations'

The German mail-order giant Quelle has threatened to ban the British sports-wear label Lonsdale from its collection because of the brand's widespread popularity among racist and neo-Nazi groups. The move would represent a major blow for the British boxing sportswear company, as its clothing collection would be withdrawn from the 40 million mail- order catalogues Quelle distributes to customers across Europe. Michel Badke, Quelle's managing director, said yesterday that the measure was being considered because of growing concerns in Germany and across Europe that Lonsdale had become a favourite label among members of known neo-Nazi and racist organisations. "Quelle wants to distance itself clearly from all tendencies associated with extremism," Mr Badke said in a statement. "We want to counter any suggestion that we are supporting right-wing extremists through the sale of these goods." siehe auch: Sportswear brand faces ban due to anti-gay and neo-Nazi links, Lonsdale faces ban on 'Nazi link'. Europe's largest mail-order company is reportedly threatening to ban British sportswear firm Lonsdale because of the brand's popularity with neo-Nazis