Arabic version: ميلوول يفكر في اتخاذ إجراءات قانونية بشأن إساءة استخدام شعار النادي
According to BBC News,
Millwall are considering taking legal action after Westminster City Council used the Championship club’s badge on an illustration of a Ku Klux Klan member. The image appeared in a children’s anti-racism booklet distributed in primary schools in the local area about the life of former footballer Paul Canoville, who was the first black player to play for Chelsea.
The controversial illustration depicts a cartoon figure in a white hood and robes, which is typically associated with the white supremacist group, adorned with Millwall’s crest. The figure is imposed next to a photograph of Canoville, who has a speech bubble stating, “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!” On Thursday, Westminster City Council apologized to the club for the “improper use of their logo and for any offence caused”.
Westminster City Council confirmed that the booklet has been removed from circulation and that they will destroy any remaining copies. They are also reviewing their processes to prevent similar incidents in the future. Millwall responded by stating that the serious misuse of a registered club badge has created a “false and damaging image of the club.”
The Paul Canoville Foundation, which was involved in the educational program, clarified that it had no role in the booklet’s content. CEO Raphael Frascogna noted that the foundation was only responsible for Canoville’s personal appearance and was not consulted on the material or its illustrations. He mentioned that the illustration does depict a real incident Canoville experienced when playing for Chelsea reserves against Millwall reserves in the 1980s, in which he was subjected to serious racial abuse by a number of individuals wearing Ku Klux Klan-style white hoods.
As of now, Millwall, currently third in the Championship, is still deliberating its legal stance on the matter and has refrained from providing additional comments.
