Manchester United's Bastian Schweinsteiger to sue toy maker over Nazi doll

Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger of Germany. Photo/Getty.

Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger is suing a Chinese toy-maker for producing a Nazi doll bearing his resemblance called 'Bastian'.

The toys, to be released throughout Europe this week, are styled after a Wehrmacht soldier, and include the Nazi insignia on the soldier's hat.

Schweinsteiger has reportedly sought legal advice regarding the dolls which are bear a striking likeness to the German international.

The doll manufacturer has defended the toy, saying any perceived likeness was purely coincidental.

The Telegraph today reported how German newspaper Bild have expressed their outrage at the toy, with a story headline reading: "Our football hero Bastian Schweinsteiger as a Nazi soldier!"

Bild spoke to a representative of the company behind the Bastian doll, who denied the suggestion the model was based on the German skipper.

"We offer no figures based on the football. The resemblance is purely coincidental," said company spokesman, Patrick Chan.

"The figure is based on a typical German. We believe most Germans look like this. Bastian is a common name in Germany."

Media lawyer Ulrich Amelung told Bild Schweinsteiger had strong grounds to sue the toy company over the range of dolls.

"This is a clear violation of the rights of Schweinsteiger," said Amelung.

"The portrayal of him wearing a swastika uniform is a clear case of defamation and insult."