British students probed over Hitler drinking game

Huddersfield University said it was "extremely disturbed" by the claim students were behind a mock-homage to the Nazi leadeer.

LONDON, January 13, 2010 (AFP) - A British university has launched an investigation after its students allegedly started an Internet craze for a Hitler drinking game, it said Wednesday.

Huddersfield University in northern England said it was "extremely disturbed" by the claim students were behind a page on Facebook outlining the game, a mock-homage to the Nazi leadeer.

It involved players laying out a pack of cards in a swastika shape, picking them out and performing forfeits with names like "Polish Invasion" and "Heil Hitler Game."

The original page on the social networking site had nearly 12,000 members but has now been shut down, although another similiar site has since been set up.

Professor Peter Slee, the university's deputy vice-chancellor, said inquiries would be made into whether its students were involved.

"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," he said.

"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."