Council apologises for “insensitive” use of Millwall FC logo on racism awareness pamphlet

In a statement posted afterwards, the council admitted the image was "insensitive".

According to the BBC, a photograph of the pamphlet posted online shows a cartoon figure wearing a white robe and pointed hood. The Millwall FC logo appears on the chest.

Alongside it is an image of Paul Canoville, who became Chelsea FC's first black player in 1981.

A quotation next to the image reads: "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."

The football club said it has received a full apology from the council following its “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.”

It added: “The council have confirmed no more copies of the image with the club's logo will be made or distributed by them and all remaining material in their possession will be destroyed.”

The club added that it is considering its legal position on the matter.

A Westminster City Council spokesperson said: “We accept the use of this image was an insensitive way to illustrate the historic problem of racism within football. We have apologised to Millwall Football Club for the improper use of their logo and for any offence caused.

“The booklet has been removed from circulation, and we are reviewing processes to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”

Lottie Winson