MILLWALL F.C. are considering legal action after Westminster City Council used the club’s badge in a controversial illustration linked to racism.
The image appeared in a children’s anti-racism booklet that was handed out in primary schools, based on the life of Paul Canoville, who was the first Black player to play for Chelsea F.C.. It showed a cartoon figure dressed in Ku Klux Klan-style robes and a hood, with Millwall’s crest on it, next to a photo of Canoville.
There was also a speech bubble coming from Canoville which read: “Racism never went away. I was badly abused in a reserve match at Millwall, but then I could show the racists my 1984 2nd Division Champions medal!”
Westminster City Council later apologised, saying: “We accept the use of this image was an insensitive way to illustrate the historic problem of racism within football.” It also added: “The booklet has been removed from circulation, and we are reviewing processes to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”
Millwall responded by saying the “serious misuse of a registered club badge” had created a “false and damaging image of the club”. The club also said the council had confirmed any remaining copies would be destroyed and no more would be produced. They added that they are still considering their legal position.
The Paul Canoville Foundation distanced itself from the booklet, making it clear it had no involvement in the content. It said the material was “not produced by, commissioned by, or approved” by either the foundation or Canoville.
The foundation’s CEO also said: “Our involvement in the associated programme was limited solely to Paul’s personal appearance; meeting students and sharing his lived experience,” and added: “At no stage were we shown, consulted on, or asked to approve the content of the booklet, including any illustrations within it.”
It was also explained that the image was based on a real incident during Canoville’s career, when he was racially abused by individuals reportedly wearing Ku Klux Klan-style hoods during a reserve match in the 1980s.
Canoville, now 64, played for Chelsea between 1981 and 1986, scoring 15 goals in 103 games before retiring early due to injury after a short spell with Reading F.C..
On the pitch, Millwall are currently third in the Championship and level on points with Ipswich Town F.C., who sit in the automatic promotion places.
