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BROOK PARK, Ohio – An Ohio couple were shocked when they opened their Hot-N-Ready Pizza and saw the pepperoni topping fashioned into a swastika.

Misty Laska posted a photo of the pizza on Twitter showing the backward swastika on top of the pizza.

The Laskas didn’t eat the pizza and instead tried calling the Little Caesars location that made it, according to WDAF-TV. Initially they were unable to get a hold of anyone because the store had just closed. On Sunday the store owner called the Laskas back to say that it was an internal joke and the pizza was not intended for customers. He also said the employees involved were fired.

“Told him that it was supposed to be an internal joke that they were playing on each other and the other employee, and the pizza was never intended to go out. He also confirmed that he had let the employees go that morning,” Jason Laska told WDAF-TV.

“We’re trying to solve hate, and even if this was just a joke internally for the employees, just stop. Stop with the symbolism, and let it go away,” Jason Laska told WOIO-TV.

The employees involved were fired, according to The Associated Press.

Little Caesar Enterprises released a statement responding to the incident.

“We have zero tolerance for racism and discrimination in any form, and these franchise store employees were immediately terminated. We’re deeply disappointed that this happened, as this conduct is completely against our values,” the company said.

Company Signs

Little Caesars sign

The Associated Press contributed to this story.