Imagery featured a cartoon character dressed in Ku Klux Klan uniform with the football team’s motif clearly visible.
Since the BBC first reported on the controversy, Millwall FC representatives have confirmed a full apology was issued by Westminster City Council, which admitted the concept was ‘insensitive’.
Not only did the campaign use official logos without permission, added to a caricature of a member of America’s notorious white supremacy group, the Ku Klux Klan, the picture also included Paul Canoville, the first Black player to sign for Chelsea FC in 1981.
An original quote next to him read: ‘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 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,’ said a spokesperson from Millwall FC. The club also confirmed it is now considering its legal position.
The news comes as concerns are rising about racism in British public life, with many equality and inclusivity campaigners pointing to professional football as exemplary of how determined messaging and zero tolerance on prejudice can be transformative. Major efforts to stamp out racism from the sport during the 1990s are largely seen as successful, although figures from anti-racism organisation Kick It Out show this form of abuse has been resurfacing in recent seasons.
Image: Emilio Garcia / Unsplash
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