Full Breakdown
Millwall FC Considers Legal Action After Badge Appears on KKK Illustration in School Anti-Racism Booklet
4/24/2026, 9:11:40 PM
Badge Misuse Triggers Legal Review
Westminster City Council included Millwall Football Club’s crest on a cartoon depiction of a Ku Klux Klan member in a children’s anti-racism booklet distributed to primary schools in the borough. Millwall announced it is reviewing legal options, describing the image as false and damaging. The council has withdrawn the booklet and pledged to destroy remaining copies.
Background: Anti-Racism Booklet and Paul Canoville
The booklet was intended to teach pupils about racism in football and featured former Chelsea forward Paul Canoville, Britain’s first black player for the club. A quotation from Canoville about abuse in a reserve match at Millwall accompanied the illustration, linking the club’s badge to the extremist figure.
Parties Involved
Key actors are Millwall FC, Westminster City Council, Kensington and Chelsea Council (co-signatory on the booklet), the Paul Canoville Foundation led by chief executive Raphael Frascogna, and the Millwall Supporters’ Club, which posted the club’s response on X.
Official Statements & Responses
Westminster City Council apologized, calling the image “insensitive” and confirming the booklet’s removal and a review of internal processes. Millwall’s statement said it had received a “full apology” and was still assessing its legal position. The Paul Canoville Foundation clarified it had no role in producing the booklet, and Kensington and Chelsea Council expressed support for the withdrawal.
Club Criticism
Millwall described the illustration as false, damaging and “outrageous,” noting the club’s extensive work in equality, diversity and inclusion. A source quoted in the Mirror said the club was “furious” that the badge was linked to a hate group, arguing the image undermined its anti-racism efforts.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We accept the use of this image was an insensitive way to illustrate the historic problem of racism within football,” — Westminster City Council spokesperson
- “The club has received a full apology from Westminster Council following their serious misuse of a registered club badge, which was placed on an illustration of a white supremacist hate group member in a children’s education booklet distributed in schools, creating a false and damaging image of the club.” — Millwall Supporters’ Club statement
- “We wish to be unequivocal: this booklet was not produced by, commissioned by, or approved by The Paul Canoville Foundation or our founder, Paul Canoville.” — Raphael Frascogna, Chief Executive, Paul Canoville Foundation
- “We understand the booklet is being withdrawn, and support that decision.” — Kensington and Chelsea Council representative
- “We do so much work in EDI [equality, diversity and inclusion] and to have the club depicted that way to young people is outrageous.” — Unnamed Millwall source
Next Steps
Millwall has not yet decided on legal action. Westminster City Council will review its publishing procedures and ensure all remaining copies are destroyed. The Paul Canoville Foundation will continue its school outreach program.
