Supermarket chain Asda has defended the sale of a wearable England flag which has been likened to a Ku Klux Klan outfit.

The St George's Flag, emblazoned with the word "England" and featuring a peaked white hood, sparked a social media storm when it went on sale in ahead of the World Cup in Brazil.

But a spokeswoman for Asda, which has priced the novelty garment at £3, said: "We opted for a hood... as you never know what the British weather will bring.

"We want customers to get behind the team without getting wet."

England fan Ade Brandwood was among those who questioned the supermarket's decision to sell the flags.

His picture of the red and white cape, which has now been retweeted thousands of times, was accompanied with the message: "I'm not sure they set the right tone."

One user called Simon wrote: "'ENGLAND RULES OKKK'. Honestly, do Asda simply not bother to see how these things look when worn?"

Another, called Kieran, added: "They do look dodgy to say the least."

The flag was still available on Asda's website at lunchtime Friday, accompanied with the description: "Support England in the World Cup with this unique wearing flag!"

The supermarket's spokeswoman added: "We know there's chatter on Twitter... but it's simply a flag with a hood - nothing more, nothing less."