'Downright shameful': Proud Boys wear ‘stand back and stand by’ t-shirts after Donald Trump’s remarks

Far-right group boosted by president refusing to condemn them

Proud Boys supporters are wearing t-shirts emblazoned with Donald Trump’s “stand back and stand by” remarks, according to reports.

The far-right group’s profile was boosted when the president refused to condemn them during the first presidential debate.

Mr Trump was asked by moderator Chris Wallace if was willing to denounce violence committed by white nationalist groups.

The Proud Boys should "stand back and stand by," Mr Trump said.

"But I'll tell you what, somebody's gotta do something about antifa and the left. This is not a right-wing problem. This is a left-wing problem.”

Observers say that the extremist group’s leader had taken Mr Trump’s remark as support for their violent actions.

Joe Biggs took to Twitter and said: “Trump basically said to go f*** them up! This makes me so happy.”

“President Trump told the proud boys to stand by because someone needs to deal with ANTIFA...well sir! we're ready," Mr Biggs added on Parler.

Mr Biggs also posted an image of a Proud Boys logo with the “Stand Back Stand By” logo on it.

And the group is also now reportedly selling shirts with “Proud Boys, stand back and stand by” for $30.99.

The move comes just days after British clothing firm Fred Perry retired its black and yellow polo shirt, which had become an unofficial uniform for the group.

Celebrities took to Twitter following the comments to denounce the president, with Star Wars actor Mark Hammill calling the Proud Boys remarks “downright shameful.”

Mr Trump downplayed the comments on Wednesday and said he did not know who the Proud Boys were and repeated his call for them to “Stand down.”