Millwall Football Club is addressing a significant controversy after its badge was misused in a children's anti-racism booklet, damaging the club's image. The educational pamphlet, which featured the southeast London club’s crest edited onto an illustration of a Ku Klux Klan robe, has drawn widespread condemnation and prompted an apology from the Westminster City Council. This incident has blindsided the club, which is currently vying for promotion to the Premier League.

The depiction has been met with strong reactions from various parties. A British lawmaker described the misuse of Millwall branding as an "insult," while the team’s leading fan group expressed being "outraged" by the portrayal. Millwall Football Club itself stated it is considering legal action, emphasizing that the imagery creates "a false and damaging image of the club" and undermines its extensive efforts against discrimination.

This incident comes at a sensitive time for Millwall Football Club, which has long worked to shed a reputation for rowdy fan behavior dating back to the hooliganism of the 1970s and 80s. The club's hardcore fans were famously known for chanting, “No one likes us, we don’t care.” Despite this past, the club has made significant strides in recent decades to transform its public perception.

Millwall Football Club has a proud history of pioneering anti-discrimination initiatives within English football. In 1994, it established an anti-discrimination body, which was the first organization of its kind at an English football club. The club also highlights its strong working relationships with prominent anti-discrimination organizations such as Kick it Out and Show Racism the Red Card, demonstrating a consistent commitment to fostering inclusivity.

The controversy is particularly unwelcome as Millwall Football Club stands a strong chance to secure its first-ever promotion to the Premier League, a significant achievement given its last top-flight appearance was in the 1989-90 season. The club's ongoing legal considerations underscore its determination to protect its brand and reputation against such damaging misrepresentations, especially during a pivotal period for its sporting ambitions.