English soccer club Millwall is considering legal action after a children's anti-racism booklet edited the team's badge onto an illustration of a Ku Klux Klan robe, damaging the club's efforts to shed its rowdy reputation.
Booklet Controversy
The educational pamphlet, distributed to London primary schools, tells the story of Paul Canoville, a Black former Chelsea player who faced racial abuse in the 1980s. One page depicts a KKK member with Millwall's logo on the chest, next to a quote about abuse at Millwall. The Paul Canoville Foundation said it was not consulted, noting the illustration depicts a real incident.
Westminster City Council apologized, calling the image insensitive, and removed the booklet. The council admitted improper use of Millwall's logo. Kensington and Chelsea Council, whose logo also appeared on the pamphlet, supported the withdrawal.
Outrage and Legal Threat
Labour MP Neil Coyle called the misuse an insult to southeast London, given Millwall's community work. The Millwall Supporters' Club expressed outrage, stating the misrepresentation does not reflect the club or fanbase. Millwall is considering legal action, saying the imagery creates a false and damaging image.
Millwall's Image Struggle
Millwall has worked to overcome a hooliganism reputation from the 1970s-80s. The club created an anti-discrimination body in 1994 and works with Kick It Out and Show Racism the Red Card. However, incidents persist: fans clashed at the 2013 FA Cup semifinal, booed players taking a knee in 2020, and faced fines for offensive chanting about disabilities in September 2025. The FA fined Millwall 45,000 pounds for the latter, the third breach in three years.
Promotion Push
Despite the controversy, Millwall is fighting for promotion to the Premier League for the first time since 1990. The American-owned club sits second in the Championship, one point ahead of Ipswich, with one game remaining. Ipswich has three games left.
