Millwall FC hit by row over American white supremacist reference in educational booklet

Photo by Adam Fradgley/West Bromwich Albion FC via Getty Images

Millwall are enjoying one of their strongest seasons in recent years, sitting third in the Championship with 79 points and two games remaining. Automatic promotion remains possible, although Ipswich Town still hold the advantage.

That position has raised hopes of a Premier League return without the need for playoffs, with momentum building on the pitch, after two straight victories.

However, off-field developments have disrupted that positive narrative after the club became unexpectedly linked to imagery associated with hate groups, sparking widespread concern and immediate backlash.

Millwall crest used in anti-racism booklet alongside KKK imagery

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The controversy centres on an educational booklet distributed in schools, which aimed to address racism through the story of former footballer Paul Canoville.

The material included an illustration of a figure wearing Ku Klux Klan-style robes, widely recognised as a symbol of white supremacist groups, with the outfit featuring Millwall’s club badge.

The image was placed next to a photograph of Canoville, the first black player to represent Chelsea, and referenced racist abuse he experienced during a reserve match involving Millwall in the 1980s.

Criticism about the use of the badge in the picture quickly increased, as it created a damaging perception about the club.

The booklet was withdrawn after the issue gained attention, with authorities acknowledging that the approach used to illustrate the topic had been inappropriate and insensitive.