Character crash on login due to removed item

Hello,

I cannot log into Path of Exile 2 because one of my characters is wearing an item that no longer exists in the game files.
Character name: AfDHexe
Account name: MachNichSo#7924

When I try to log in, I immediately get this error:
Error loading type Metadata/Items/Armours/Shields/Uniques/MeritOfService/MeritOfServiceShield.ao is non-virtual and does not have a physical file

This happens because my character is still wearing the shield "Merit of Service", which seems to have been removed. After clicking OK, the game closes, and I cannot access the character to unequip or delete it myself.

Could you please remove this item from my character, or reset it so I can log in again?

Thank you very much for your help!

Best regards,
Sven

I am having this same issue.

Is there a way to delete a character without getting into the game? From the files?

I have the same issue, no way to change the char to one without the shield because confirming the error message closes the game, making the char the first for the next login attempt as well, continuing the cycle...

Really hope this gets fixed soon, I really wish I could get at least act 1 done this weekend for the cosmetic unlock.

Edit:
Found more threads: 3830355, 3830617, 3831032 which describes the same problem with more affected accounts.

Edit Edit: Possible workaround mentioned in 3830355