Council apologises for Millwall KKK leaflet image

Westminster City Council has apologised to Millwall FC after a racism awareness pamphlet for schoolchildren featured an image linking the club to the US white supremacist group, the Ku Klux Klan (KKK).

The illustration showed a cartoon figure dressed like a KKK member wearing Millwall's club badge. The council admitted the image was "insensitive".

Millwall FC said the depiction was "false and damaging" and confirmed it was considering legal action.

The pamphlet was created by a Westminster City Council employee, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) understands.

In a statement shared on X by Millwall Supporters' Club, the club said it had received a full apology from the council.

It said the badge had been misused on "an illustration of a white supremacist hate group member in a children's education booklet", creating a misleading association with the club.

The statement said the council had confirmed no further copies containing the image would be produced or distributed. Any remaining material would be destroyed.

"The club is still considering its legal position on the matter and are unable to comment further," it added.

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. He has spoken publicly about being subjected to racist abuse during his playing career.

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."

A logo for the Paul Canoville Foundation appears at the bottom of the leaflet.

Its chief executive Raphael Frascogna said the foundation had nothing to do with producing the leaflet.

He said in a statement: "We wish to be unequivocal: this booklet was not produced by, commissioned by, or approved by The Paul Canoville Foundation or our founder, Paul Canoville.

"Our involvement in the associated programme was limited solely to Paul's personal appearance; meeting students and sharing his lived experience.

"At no stage were we shown, consulted on, or asked to approve the content of the booklet, including any illustrations within it."

Another image, said to be the front cover of the pamphlet, includes spaces for children to write their name and class.

A logo of Westminster City Council and Kensington and Chelsea council is also part of the leaflet.

Kensington and Chelsea council said: "We understand the booklet is being withdrawn, and support that decision."

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