Leyton Orient Criticise Wrexham Kit Badge

Leyton Orient have voiced criticism regarding the design of Wrexham's newly unveiled football kit, asserting that its badge bears a striking resemblance to their own club emblem. The League Two club expressed their disappointment in a statement released on Tuesday, highlighting the perceived similarity as a matter of concern. This criticism comes as Wrexham, owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, prepares for the upcoming football season.

Leyton Orient's statement detailed their observations about the Wrexham kit's badge, noting specific elements that they believe are too close to their established crest. The club indicated that they had not been consulted or informed about the design prior to its release. While the statement did not explicitly threaten legal action, it conveyed a strong sense of disapproval and a desire for the matter to be addressed. The club's management suggested that the similarity could lead to confusion among supporters and potentially dilute the distinctiveness of their own brand identity, which has been developed over many years.

Wrexham AFC, known for its high-profile ownership and significant media attention since Reynolds and McElhenney acquired the club in November 2020, has recently been promoted to League One. The club has undergone several branding and kit updates since the takeover, often generating considerable public interest. This particular kit controversy, however, introduces a new dimension to their public relations, focusing on inter-club relations and intellectual property concerns within the football community. Leyton Orient, a club with a long history dating back to 1881, views its crest as a significant part of its heritage and identity, making the perceived imitation a sensitive issue.

The situation raises questions about design originality and the protocols surrounding club crests and kits within football leagues. While direct imitation is generally avoided, subtle influences and shared design motifs can sometimes arise. Leyton Orient's stance suggests they believe the resemblance goes beyond mere coincidence or common design trends. The club's communication aims to open a dialogue with Wrexham to find a resolution that respects both clubs' identities and histories. The response from Wrexham AFC or its ownership regarding Leyton Orient's concerns has not yet been publicly detailed, leaving the outcome of this dispute uncertain.