Millwall Football Club is weighing legal action against Westminster Council after its registered badge was depicted on an illustration of a Ku Klux Klan member within a children's educational booklet. The club has received a "full apology" from the council for what it terms a "serious misuse" of its logo, which appeared on clothing worn by a white supremacist hate group member. The booklet, intended to educate about racism in football, was distributed in schools.
The council's apology acknowledges the "improper use of their logo and for any offence caused." Millwall's official statement, issued via the Millwall Supporters' Club, stressed that they were "at no stage shown, consulted on, or asked to approve the content of the booklet, including any illustrations within it." The club considers the depiction to have created a "false and damaging image." This incident comes as Millwall is actively pursuing promotion to the Premier League.
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Context of the Incident
The illustration featuring the Millwall badge on a KKK outfit was part of a booklet distributed in schools across London. The imagery was juxtaposed with an image of Paul Canoville, a prominent footballer who has spoken extensively about his experiences with racism in the sport. A speech bubble accompanying the KKK figure read: "Racism never went away."
Westminster Council, in its apology, expressed regret over the incident and any resulting offense. The council had previously announced an educational partnership with Kick It Out, English football's anti-discrimination watchdog, in collaboration with the University of Westminster’s Centre for Education and Training Innovation.
Wider Football Landscape
The news emerges alongside other football-related developments, including the BBC's decision to scrap the long-running Saturday programme Football Focus after 52 years. This move is attributed to evolving media consumption habits and the rise of digital platforms. Meanwhile, other clubs are preparing for a significant weekend of fixtures, including FA Cup semi-finals and numerous Premier League matches. Reports also indicate that Matthijs de Ligt is back in training for Manchester United.
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