Millwall FC thinks about legal action after a council uses its badge on a picture of a hate group (CEFR Compare)

Apr 24, 2026, 11:05

Millwall FC thinks about legal action after a council uses its badge on a picture of a hate group

Introduction

Millwall Football Club is thinking about taking legal action. A council used the club''s badge on a picture of a member of a hate group. The picture was in a book for children. The book was about stopping racism. The council said sorry.

Main Body

A worker at Westminster City Council made the book. The book was about Paul Canoville. He was the first black player for Chelsea. The book had a cartoon. The cartoon showed a person in a white robe and a pointed hat. This is the clothes of the Ku Klux Klan. The cartoon had the Millwall FC badge on its chest. There was a picture next to a photo of Canoville. The photo had a quote from him. He said: ''Racism never went away. People abused me at a Millwall match. But then I showed them my medal.'' The picture was about a real event. In the 1980s, people in Klan hoods abused Canoville at a match. But the book did not explain this. The council said the use of the badge was wrong. They said sorry. They took the book away. They will destroy all copies. Millwall FC said the use of the badge was a serious problem. It gave a false and bad picture of the club. The club is thinking about legal action. The Paul Canoville Foundation said it did not make the book. It did not help make the book. The foundation only helps Canoville talk to students. The foundation said the picture shows a real event. But the foundation did not know about the book.

Conclusion

The council said sorry and will change how it works. Millwall FC is still thinking about legal action. The foundation said it was not part of making the book. The situation is not finished.

Vocabulary Learning

book

A set of pages with words and pictures.書

Example:I read a book before bed.

picture

A drawing or photo.圖片

Example:This picture shows a dog.

sorry

Feeling bad about something you did.抱歉

Example:He said sorry for the mistake.

think

To have an idea in your mind.思考

Example:I think about my homework every day.

use

To do something with something.使用

Example:I use a pen to write.

Sentence Learning

Millwall Football Club is thinking about taking legal action.

This sentence uses the present continuous tense to show an action happening now.本句使用現在進行式，表示正在發生的動作。

A council used the club's badge on a picture of a member of a hate group.

This sentence uses the simple past tense to describe a completed action in the past.本句使用簡單過去式，描述過去完成的動作。

The book was about stopping racism.

This sentence uses the simple past tense with the verb 'was' to describe a past state.本句使用簡單過去式及動詞'was'，描述過去的狀態。

The council said sorry.

This sentence uses the simple past tense of 'say' followed by a direct apology.本句使用動詞'say'的簡單過去式，後接直接道歉用語。

The picture was in a book for children.

This sentence uses the simple past tense with 'was' to indicate location in the past.本句使用簡單過去式及'was'，表示過去的位置。

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

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。

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

Introduction

Millwall Football Club is evaluating potential legal proceedings following the inclusion of its registered badge on an illustration of a Ku Klux Klan member in an anti-racism educational booklet distributed to primary school children by Westminster City Council. The council has issued an apology, and the Paul Canoville Foundation has clarified it had no role in producing the booklet''s content.

Main Body

The booklet, produced by a Westminster City Council employee, was part of a programme about the life of former Chelsea player Paul Canoville, the club''s first black player. It contained a cartoon of a figure wearing a white robe and pointed hat—attire associated with the white supremacist group—with the Millwall FC logo on the chest. The image was placed next to a photograph of Canoville, accompanied by a quote attributed to him: ''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 intended to depict a real incident Canoville experienced during a Chelsea Reserves versus Millwall Reserves match in the 1980s, in which he was subjected to racial abuse by individuals wearing Ku Klux Klan-style hoods. However, this context was not provided in the booklet. Westminster City Council acknowledged the ''improper use of their logo and for any offence caused,'' stating that the image was ''an insensitive way to illustrate the historic problem of racism within football.'' The council confirmed the booklet has been removed from circulation and that processes are being reviewed to prevent recurrence. All remaining copies in the council''s possession will be destroyed. Millwall FC, via 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 appearance at schools to share his lived experience. The foundation''s CEO, Raphael Frascogna, confirmed that the illustration does depict a genuine incident of racial abuse Canoville endured, but stressed the foundation was not consulted on the booklet''s content. Kensington and Chelsea Council, whose logo also appeared, was contacted for comment but no response was reported in the sources.

Conclusion

The incident has prompted an apology from Westminster City Council and a review of its procedures, while Millwall FC continues to assess its legal options. The Paul Canoville Foundation has distanced itself from the booklet''s production but affirmed the historical accuracy of the depicted event. The situation remains unresolved pending Millwall''s decision on potential legal action.

Vocabulary Learning

affirmed

To state or assert positively and formally, often in the face of doubt or denial.確認，肯定地陳述。

Example:The foundation affirmed the historical accuracy of the depicted event.

commissioned

To order or authorize the production of something, typically a work of art, document, or service.委託製作，正式授權創作或生產。

Example:The material was not produced by, commissioned by, or approved by The Paul Canoville Foundation.

distanced itself

To show that one is not connected or involved with something, often to avoid association or blame.劃清界線，表明與某事無關。

Example:The Paul Canoville Foundation has distanced itself from the booklet's production but affirmed the historical accuracy of the depicted event.

pending

Awaiting a decision or settlement; not yet resolved.待定，懸而未決的。

Example:The situation remains unresolved pending Millwall's decision on potential legal action.

recurrence

The fact of happening again, especially of an undesirable event.再次發生，復發。

Example:The council confirmed the booklet has been removed from circulation and that processes are being reviewed to prevent recurrence.

Sentence Learning

Main clause: 'Millwall Football Club is evaluating potential legal proceedings'. Then a participial phrase 'following the inclusion...' acting as an adverbial of time/reason. Within that phrase, 'of its registered badge' is a prepositional phrase modifying 'inclusion', then 'on an illustration...' another prepositional phrase, then 'of a Ku Klux Klan member' modifying 'illustration', then 'in an anti-racism educational booklet' modifying 'illustration', then a reduced relative clause 'distributed to primary school children by Westminster City Council' modifying 'booklet'. The sentence uses a chain of prepositional phrases and a reduced relative clause to pack information densely.主要子句：「Millwall Football Club is evaluating potential legal proceedings」。然後是分詞短語「following the inclusion...」作為時間/原因狀語。該短語內，「of its registered badge」是修飾「inclusion」的介詞短語，接著「on an illustration...」另一個介詞短語，然後「of a Ku Klux Klan member」修飾「illustration」，再「in an anti-racism educational booklet」修飾「illustration」，最後一個縮減關係子句「distributed to primary school children by Westminster City Council」修飾「booklet」。句子使用一連串的介詞短語和縮減關係子句來密集地包裝信息。

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the illustration was intended to depict a real incident Canoville experienced during a Chelsea Reserves versus Millwall Reserves match in the 1980s, in which he was subjected to racial abuse by individuals wearing Ku Klux Klan-style hoods.

Fronted adverbial phrase 'According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service'. Main clause: 'the illustration was intended to depict a real incident'. Then a reduced relative clause 'Canoville experienced' modifying 'incident' (omitted relative pronoun 'that/which'). Then a prepositional phrase 'during a Chelsea Reserves versus Millwall Reserves match in the 1980s'. Then a non-restrictive relative clause 'in which he was subjected to racial abuse by individuals wearing Ku Klux Klan-style hoods' providing additional detail about the match. The clause contains a participial phrase 'wearing Ku Klux Klan-style hoods' modifying 'individuals'. The sentence uses a fronted adverbial, reduced relative, and non-restrictive relative clause.前置狀語短語「According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service」。主要子句：「the illustration was intended to depict a real incident」。然後是縮減關係子句「Canoville experienced」修飾「incident」（省略關係代詞that/which）。接著介詞短語「during a Chelsea Reserves versus Millwall Reserves match in the 1980s」。然後是非限制性關係子句「in which he was subjected to racial abuse by individuals wearing Ku Klux Klan-style hoods」提供關於比賽的額外細節。該子句包含分詞短語「wearing Ku Klux Klan-style hoods」修飾「individuals」。句子使用了前置狀語、縮減關係子句和非限制性關係子句。

Westminster City Council acknowledged the 'improper use of their logo and for any offence caused,' stating that the image was 'an insensitive way to illustrate the historic problem of racism within football.'

Main clause: 'Westminster City Council acknowledged the 'improper use of their logo and for any offence caused''. Then a present participial phrase 'stating that...' acting as an adverbial of manner. Within that phrase, 'that' introduces a noun clause: 'the image was 'an insensitive way to illustrate the historic problem of racism within football.'' The sentence uses a participial phrase to embed reported speech, and the quoted material adds lexical density.主要子句：「Westminster City Council acknowledged the 'improper use of their logo and for any offence caused'」。然後是現在分詞短語「stating that...」作為方式狀語。該短語內，「that」引導名詞子句：「the image was 'an insensitive way to illustrate the historic problem of racism within football.'」句子使用分詞短語嵌入轉述引語，引用的材料增加了詞彙密度。

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.'

Main clause: 'The Paul Canoville Foundation issued a statement'. Interposed non-restrictive relative clause: 'whose logo also appeared on the booklet' providing additional information about the foundation. Then a present participial phrase 'asserting that...' modifying 'statement'. Within that phrase, 'that' introduces a noun clause containing a list of passive verb phrases: 'not produced by, commissioned by, or approved by The Paul Canoville Foundation or our Founder, Paul Canoville.' The appositive 'Paul Canoville' at the end. The sentence uses a non-restrictive relative clause and a participial phrase with a complex noun clause.主要子句：「The Paul Canoville Foundation issued a statement」。插入的非限制性關係子句：「whose logo also appeared on the booklet」提供關於基金會的額外信息。然後是現在分詞短語「asserting that...」修飾「statement」。該短語內，「that」引導名詞子句，包含一系列被動動詞短語：「not produced by, commissioned by, or approved by The Paul Canoville Foundation or our Founder, Paul Canoville。」末尾有同位語「Paul Canoville」。句子使用了非限制性關係子句和帶有複雜名詞子句的分詞短語。

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

Main clause: 'The foundation's CEO, Raphael Frascogna, confirmed that...' with apposition 'Raphael Frascogna'. The that-clause: 'the illustration does depict a genuine incident of racial abuse Canoville endured'. Within that clause, 'does' is an emphatic auxiliary, and 'Canoville endured' is a reduced relative clause modifying 'incident' (omitted 'that/which'). Then a coordinate clause introduced by 'but': 'stressed the foundation was not consulted on the booklet's content'. This is a verb phrase with an omitted 'that' before 'the foundation was not consulted'. The sentence uses apposition, emphatic 'does', reduced relative, and coordination with ellipsis of 'that'.主要子句：「The foundation's CEO, Raphael Frascogna, confirmed that...」帶有同位語「Raphael Frascogna」。that子句：「the illustration does depict a genuine incident of racial abuse Canoville endured」。該子句中，「does」是強調助動詞，「Canoville endured」是縮減關係子句修飾「incident」（省略that/which）。然後是由「but」引入的並列子句：「stressed the foundation was not consulted on the booklet's content」。這是一個動詞短語，省略了「that」在「the foundation was not consulted」之前。句子使用了同位語、強調助動詞「does」、縮減關係子句和省略「that」的並列結構。