Millwall considers legal steps over council's KKK badge misuse in 2026

Westminster City Council used Millwall's badge on a Ku Klux Klan illustration in a children's booklet, prompting the club to explore legal options.

Booklet controversy details Westminster City Council included Millwall's logo on a cartoon image of a Ku Klux Klan member in a children's anti-racism booklet about former Chelsea footballer Paul Canoville. The illustration, which depicts a hooded figure with Millwall's crest, was paired with a quote attributed to Canoville about racial abuse he faced during a reserve match. The council acknowledged the image showed a white supremacist outfit bearing the club's badge. The booklet was distributed in local primary schools as part of an educational program about racism in football. ## Club responds to misuse Millwall expressed concern over the unauthorized use of its registered badge, calling the depiction a serious misrepresentation that harmed the club's reputation. The club confirmed the council agreed to destroy all remaining copies of the booklet and halt further distribution. Millwall stated it is reviewing its legal options and declined to provide further commentary at this time. The supporters' club also shared the club's statement on social media platform X. ## Council issues apology Westminster City Council formally apologized to Millwall for the improper use of the club's logo and any distress caused by the illustration. In a public statement, the council admitted the image was an insensitive way to highlight racism in football history. It confirmed the booklet has been withdrawn from circulation and that internal processes are being reviewed to prevent similar errors. The council did not specify the duration of the review or when it would be completed. ## Foundation disassociates from content The Paul Canoville Foundation clarified it had no role in producing, commissioning, or approving the controversial booklet or its illustrations. The foundation's CEO, Raphael Frascogna, stated their involvement was limited to Canoville's personal appearance at events where he shared his experiences with students. Frascogna emphasized the foundation was never shown or consulted about the booklet's content before distribution. He added that the illustration accurately reflects a real incident Canoville endured during a reserve match in the 1980s. ## Canoville's historic abuse recalled Paul Canoville, the first Black player to represent Chelsea, experienced racial abuse during a reserve match against Millwall in the 1980s. The abuse involved individuals wearing Ku Klux Klan-style hoods, an incident the illustration in the booklet was meant to represent. Canoville played for Chelsea from 1981 to 1986, scoring 15 goals in 103 appearances before retiring at age 25 due to a knee injury. After his time at Chelsea, he had a brief spell at Reading before ending his professional career. ## Millwall's current season standing As of the article's publication, Millwall ranks third in the EFL Championship, tied on points with second-placed Ipswich Town, who hold an automatic promotion spot. The club has maintained a strong position in the league throughout the season. Millwall's supporters continue to engage with team updates and analysis through official channels. The team's performance remains a key topic among fans and pundits alike.