Millwall Consider Legal Action Over Badge on KKK Image

Westminster City Council has sparked controversy by featuring the Millwall Football Club’s badge on a depiction of a Ku Klux Klan member within a children’s educational booklet. The club is now evaluating legal options following the use of its registered crest in the image, which they claim creates a misleading portrayal. The booklet, aimed at teaching anti-racism lessons to young students, highlights the story of Paul Canoville, the first Black player to represent Chelsea. It includes a cartoon figure wearing a white hood and robes, typically linked to white supremacist groups, alongside Millwall’s emblem.

The illustration places the KKK-style character beside a photograph of Canoville, with a speech bubble from the ex-player stating: “Racism never went away. I was badly abused in a reserve match at Millwall, but then I could show the racists my 1984 2nd Division Champions medal!” The council has since issued an apology, acknowledging the “improper use” of the club’s logo and any “offence caused.” They confirmed the booklet will be taken out of circulation and are revising their processes to prevent similar issues in the future.

“We accept the use of this image was an insensitive way to illustrate the historic problem of racism within football,” said a statement from Westminster City Council.

In a message shared via X by the official supporters’ club, Millwall emphasized that the “serious misuse of a registered club badge” generated a “false and damaging image of the club.” They noted the council has assured that all remaining copies of the booklet will be destroyed and no further distributions will occur. The club remains undecided on whether to pursue legal action, stating they are “unable to comment further” at this time.

Foundation Clarifies Role

The Paul Canoville Foundation confirmed awareness of the image, which gained attention on social media. However, they clarified that the booklet was not produced, commissioned, or approved by their organization or Canoville himself. “Our involvement in the associated programme was limited solely to Paul’s personal appearance; meeting students and sharing his lived experience,” explained CEO Raphael Frascogna. He added that the foundation was not consulted on the booklet’s content, including its illustrations.

“At no stage were we shown, consulted on, or asked to approve the content of the booklet, including any illustrations within it,” Frascogna said in a statement.

Canoville, now 64, was a former Chelsea winger who played for the club from 1981 to 1986. During his tenure, he scored 15 goals in 103 games. His career was cut short by a knee injury at Reading, where he played briefly after leaving Chelsea. The illustration references a real incident from the 1980s, when Canoville faced severe racial abuse during a reserve match against Millwall. The attack occurred while he was donning a KKK-style white hood, as described in the booklet.

Currently, Millwall sits third in the Championship, tied on points with second-placed Ipswich, who are in the automatic promotion zone. For the latest updates on Millwall, including news and fan perspectives, visit BBC Sounds.