Millwall FC is considering legal action after Westminster City Council used club badge on Ku Klux Klan illustration in children''s anti-racism booklet

Apr 24, 2026, 11:05

Introduction

Millwall Football Club is considering taking legal action after its registered badge was used on an illustration of a Ku Klux Klan member in an anti-racism educational booklet for primary school children. The booklet was distributed by Westminster City Council. The council has apologized, and the Paul Canoville Foundation has stated that it had no role in producing the booklet''s content.

Main Body

The booklet, produced by a council employee, was part of a programme about former Chelsea player Paul Canoville, the club''s first black player. It contained a cartoon of a figure in a white robe and pointed hat—clothing associated with the white supremacist group—with the Millwall FC logo on the chest. The image was placed next to a photo of Canoville with a quote: "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 Championship medal." According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the illustration was meant to show a real incident where Canoville was racially abused by people wearing Ku Klux Klan-style hoods during a match in the 1980s. However, this context was not provided in the booklet. Westminster City Council acknowledged the "improper use of their logo and for any offence caused." It stated that the image was "an insensitive way to illustrate the historic problem of racism within football." The council confirmed that the booklet has been removed from circulation and that processes are being reviewed to prevent this from happening again. All remaining copies will be destroyed. Millwall FC, through the official supporters'' club, described the use of its badge as a "serious misuse of a registered club badge" that created a "false and damaging image of the club." The club stated it is still considering its legal position and declined further comment. The Paul Canoville Foundation, whose logo also appeared on the booklet, issued a statement asserting that the material was "not produced by, commissioned by, or approved by The Paul Canoville Foundation or our Founder, Paul Canoville." The foundation''s involvement was limited to Canoville''s personal appearances at schools to share his experiences. The foundation''s CEO, Raphael Frascogna, confirmed that the illustration does depict a genuine incident of racial abuse Canoville suffered, but stressed that the foundation was not consulted on the booklet''s content. Kensington and Chelsea Council, whose logo also appeared, was contacted for comment but did not respond.

Conclusion

The incident has led to an apology from Westminster City Council and a review of its procedures. Millwall FC continues to assess its legal options. The Paul Canoville Foundation has distanced itself from the booklet''s production but confirmed the historical accuracy of the event. The situation remains unresolved until Millwall decides on potential legal action.

Vocabulary Learning

circulation

The distribution of something, such as a document or publication, to a group of people.發行、流通

Example:The council confirmed that the booklet has been removed from circulation and all remaining copies will be destroyed.

distanced itself

To show that one is not involved or associated with something, often by making a public statement.與…保持距離、劃清界線

Example:The Paul Canoville Foundation has distanced itself from the booklet's production, stating it had no role in creating the content.

improper

Not suitable, correct, or appropriate for the situation.不恰當的、不正確的

Example:Westminster City Council acknowledged the improper use of the club's logo and apologized for any offence caused.

legal action

The process of taking a case to a court of law to settle a dispute or claim.法律行動（提起訴訟）

Example:Millwall Football Club is considering taking legal action after its registered badge was used without permission.

misuse

The act of using something in a wrong or inappropriate way, especially for an unintended purpose.誤用、濫用

Example:Millwall FC described the use of its badge as a serious misuse of a registered club badge that created a false and damaging image.

Sentence Learning

This sentence uses the passive voice ("was used") to focus on the badge being used rather than who used it. The time clause "after" shows the sequence of events.此句使用被動語態（"was used"）強調徽章被使用，而非誰使用。時間從句"after"表示事件先後順序。

The booklet, produced by a council employee, was part of a programme about former Chelsea player Paul Canoville, the club's first black player.

The phrase "produced by a council employee" is a reduced relative clause (passive participle) giving extra information about the booklet. It helps organize the idea by adding detail without a full clause."produced by a council employee"是縮減關係從句（被動分詞），補充說明小冊子。這樣無需完整從句即可添加細節，有助於組織信息。

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the illustration was meant to show a real incident where Canoville was racially abused by people wearing Ku Klux Klan-style hoods during a match in the 1980s.

This sentence uses "According to" to introduce the source. The passive "was meant" and "was abused" emphasize the actions. The relative clause "where" specifies the incident.此句用"According to"引出消息來源。被動語態"was meant"和"was abused"強調動作。關係從句"where"具體說明事件。

Millwall FC, through the official supporters' club, described the use of its badge as a 'serious misuse of a registered club badge' that created a 'false and damaging image of the club.'

The relative clause "that created" defines the misuse and provides the result. The phrase "through the official supporters' club" indicates the medium of communication.關係從句"that created"定義了濫用行為並說明其後果。"through the official supporters' club"表示溝通渠道。

The foundation's CEO, Raphael Frascogna, confirmed that the illustration does depict a genuine incident of racial abuse Canoville suffered, but stressed that the foundation was not consulted on the booklet's content.

This sentence uses "but" to contrast two ideas: confirming the incident's accuracy versus denying involvement. The passive "was not consulted" shifts focus to the foundation.此句用"but"對比兩個觀點：確認事件真實性與否認參與。被動語態"was not consulted"將焦點轉移到基金會。