A local politician in northern Germany who posted a picture of a sex doll with a St Pauli T-shirt and a noose around its neck has stepped down following a wave of criticism.

The posting by Bulent Buyukbayram, a member of the Christian Democrats in the city of Delmenhorst, also showed the words "shit St Pauli" written on the doll's head, with the letters 'S' shaped like the logo of the SS, the Nazis' main paramilitary force.

Bundesliga club St Pauli, based in Hamburg, said they would consider legal action and Buyukbayram has apologised and stepped down from his local posts.

"It was a stupidity, a mistake," he told Bild newspaper. "I am getting serious threats. I have apologised to St Pauli."