Westminster Council Apologises to Millwall FC Over KKK Leaflet Image, Westminster 2026

Key Points

• Westminster City Council apologised to Millwall FC after a racism awareness pamphlet for schoolchildren featured an illustration linking the club to the Ku Klux Klan (KKK), showing a cartoon figure in KKK attire wearing Millwall’s badge.
• The council admitted the image was “insensitive”.
• Millwall FC described the depiction as “false and damaging” and confirmed it is considering legal action.
• The pamphlet was created by a Westminster City Council employee, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).
• Millwall Supporters’ Club shared a statement on X confirming the council’s full apology, the halting of production and distribution of copies with the image, and destruction of remaining material.
• A photograph of the pamphlet shows the KKK-like figure with Millwall’s logo on the chest, alongside an image of Paul Canoville, Chelsea FC’s first black player in 1981, who recounted racist abuse at Millwall.
• The leaflet includes a quote from Canoville: “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 Paul Canoville Foundation logo appears on the leaflet, but its chief executive, Raphael Frascogna, stated the foundation had no involvement in producing, commissioning, or approving it; their role was limited to Canoville’s personal appearance.

Westminster (Extra London News) April 24, 2026 – Westminster City Council has issued a formal apology to Millwall FC following the inclusion of an “insensitive” illustration in a racism awareness pamphlet for schoolchildren that linked the club to the Ku Klux Klan (KKK), a US white supremacist group. The cartoon depicted a figure in KKK robes bearing Millwall’s badge, prompting outrage from the club, which labelled it “false and damaging” and signalled potential legal action.

What triggered the council’s apology to Millwall FC?

The controversy erupted over a pamphlet designed to educate schoolchildren on racism, produced by a Westminster City Council employee, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS). A photograph of the leaflet, posted online and widely circulated, reveals a cartoon figure clad in a white robe and pointed hood—hallmarks of KKK attire—with the Millwall FC logo prominently displayed on its chest. This imagery created a direct, misleading association between the club and the hate group.

As detailed in a statement shared on X by the Millwall Supporters’ Club, the club highlighted how the badge was

“misused on an illustration of a white supremacist hate group member in a children’s education booklet”.

The council acknowledged the error, describing the image as “insensitive” and extending a full apology to Millwall FC.

Why did Millwall FC call the depiction ‘false and damaging’?

Millwall FC responded swiftly to the incident, emphasising the reputational harm caused by the illustration. In the statement posted on X by the Millwall Supporters’ Club, the club stated that the depiction was “false and damaging”.

It further noted that the council had confirmed no further copies containing the image would be produced or distributed, with any remaining material to be destroyed.

“The club is still considering its legal position on the matter and are unable to comment further,”

the statement added. This cautious tone underscores the seriousness with which Millwall views the matter, amid concerns over the impact on its community standing and fanbase.

Who created the controversial pamphlet?

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

No external designers or agencies have been named in reports, pointing to an in-house oversight failure. The council’s admission of insensitivity came after the image surfaced publicly, prompting the apology.

This internal production raises questions about the approval processes for educational materials distributed to schoolchildren in Westminster, particularly those addressing sensitive topics like racism.

What does the pamphlet contain besides the KKK image?

Alongside the offending KKK illustration, the leaflet features an image of Paul Canoville, who made history as Chelsea FC’s first black player in 1981.

Canoville has openly discussed enduring racist abuse during his career. A quotation attributed to him appears next to his photo:

“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 Paul Canoville Foundation logo is visible at the bottom of the leaflet, which initially suggested involvement. However, this connection has been firmly denied, as detailed below.

What is the Paul Canoville Foundation’s stance on the leaflet?

Raphael Frascogna, chief executive of the Paul Canoville Foundation, issued a clear statement distancing the organisation from the pamphlet.

“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,”

Frascogna said.

He elaborated:

“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.”

This denial highlights a lack of consultation with stakeholders whose images or quotes were used, potentially exacerbating the controversy.

Has the council confirmed destruction of the leaflets?

Yes, according to the Millwall Supporters’ Club’s statement on X, the council pledged to halt production and distribution of any copies featuring the image.

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

the statement read. This commitment forms part of the full apology extended to the club.

Westminster City Council’s swift action aims to mitigate further damage, though questions linger about how many copies were initially circulated to schools.

Is Millwall FC pursuing legal action against the council?

Millwall FC has not ruled out legal recourse. The club’s statement via the Millwall Supporters’ Club on X explicitly states:

“The club is still considering its legal position on the matter and are unable to comment further.”

This positions the club as reserving its rights amid the “false and damaging” portrayal.

Legal experts may scrutinise potential claims for defamation or misuse of trademark, given the badge’s prominent and negative placement. No formal proceedings have been announced as of April 24, 2026.

What is the context of Paul Canoville’s quote in the leaflet?

Paul Canoville’s inclusion stems from his pioneering role and personal testimony against racism in football. The quote references a specific incident: “I was badly abused in a reserve match at Millwall,” tying into broader narratives of historic abuse in the sport. His 1984 Second Division Championship medal with Chelsea symbolises triumph over prejudice.

While Canoville’s story aligns with anti-racism education, its juxtaposition with the KKK image has drawn criticism for poor editorial judgement. The foundation’s limited involvement underscores that Canoville’s appearance was for direct student engagement, not content creation.

How has this incident affected racism awareness efforts in Westminster?

The blunder risks undermining Westminster City Council’s racism awareness programme for schoolchildren. Intended to combat prejudice through historical examples, the pamphlet’s flawed illustration could erode trust among educators, parents, and communities like Millwall’s, which has strong ties to south London.

Council officials have not elaborated beyond the apology, but the incident spotlights the need for rigorous vetting in diversity initiatives. Football clubs, often at the forefront of anti-racism campaigns, now face unintended backlash.

What steps has Westminster City Council taken post-apology?

Beyond the apology and commitment to destroy materials, the council has admitted the image’s insensitivity. As per LDRS reporting, the internal creation points to a review of procedures likely underway. No named spokesperson has commented further, maintaining focus on resolution with Millwall FC.

The episode serves as a cautionary tale for public bodies handling visual content on charged topics.

Broader implications for football clubs and hate group imagery?

This case illustrates the perils of illustrative shorthand in educational materials. Linking a club’s badge—even cartoonishly—to the KKK evokes deep historical wounds, particularly in football’s chequered past with fan extremism. Millwall, known for its passionate support, has actively combated such stereotypes through initiatives like those with Kick It Out.

Neutral observers note that while the council’s intent was educational, execution faltered, potentially alienating allies in anti-racism efforts.