Millwall Football Club is considering legal action after their registered badge was placed on a Ku Klux Klan figure in a children’s educational booklet. The club has received a full apology from Westminster City Council, which distributed the material in schools as part of an anti-racism programme. League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 3rd in Championship, 83 pts, 24W-11D-11L from 46 games, recent form LDWDW.
What happened?
The controversial image appeared in The Paul Canoville Story, a booklet about the first Black player to represent Chelsea. One page depicted a KKK figure wearing Millwall’s badge, with a speech bubble referencing racist abuse Canoville faced during a reserve match at Millwall in the 1980s. The club confirmed the council has agreed to destroy all remaining copies and halt further distribution.
Why it matters for Millwall Football Club
Millwall has worked extensively to combat historical stereotypes, including racism, and believes this incident undermines their efforts. The club strongly objects to the unauthorised use of their badge, especially in a context involving children. A spokesperson for Westminster City Council admitted the image was "insensitive" and "improper."
What comes next?
While the council has apologised and removed the booklet from circulation, Millwall is still evaluating its legal position. The club emphasises the importance of addressing past racism in football but insists such messages must be conveyed responsibly. The Paul Canoville Foundation clarified it had no involvement in the booklet’s production.
