Leyton Orient has publicly mocked the badge design on Wrexham's new third kit. The League One club used its social media account to directly question the Championship side's celebrity owners, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, about the design choice.
This story was first reported by TSN. The incident marks the second time this summer that Wrexham has faced criticism over badge-related merchandise. Leyton Orient's current season sees them sitting 10th in the League One table with 3 points from their opening two matches, having scored 3 goals and conceded 2.
Why did Leyton Orient criticize the badge?
Leyton Orient's social media team posted a message aimed at Wrexham's high-profile co-owners. "What are you playing at, [Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney]?" the post asked. The core of the criticism appears to stem from the visual similarity between the new Wrexham badge and Leyton Orient's own long-standing crest. Wrexham's third kit badge features two dragons holding a football, while Leyton Orient's regular badge, which has been in use since 1976, pictures a pair of wyverns.
The London-based club is preparing for its next League One fixture at home against Barnsley on Saturday. You can view the full schedule on our fixtures page. This match presents an opportunity for Orient to close the three-point gap to league leaders Bradford City.
What was Wrexham's previous badge issue?
This is not the first badge controversy for Wrexham this off-season. Back in July, the club was forced to pull a training jacket from its official shop following fan complaints. The removed jacket displayed a white dragon, a significant point of contention in Welsh symbolism. In Welsh mythology, the white dragon is traditionally portrayed as the enemy of the red dragon, a national symbol.
Wrexham, now in its second season in the Championship, has started the campaign with two draws against Cardiff City and Watford. Their next match is a Friday afternoon home game against Birmingham City.
How are both teams performing this season?
Leyton Orient's early League One form shows one win and one loss from their opening fixtures. Their goal difference stands at +1. The team will be looking to build momentum in front of their home fans this weekend. Current league positions and detailed statistics are always available on our standings and stats pages.
Wrexham's adaptation to the second tier continues. Their unbeaten start, albeit with two draws, provides a platform. The increased scrutiny from incidents like this badge criticism is part of the heightened profile that comes with celebrity ownership and Championship football.
What happens next for Leyton Orient?
The immediate focus for Leyton Orient shifts back to on-pitch matters. The confrontation with 21st-placed Barnsley is a key early-season fixture. Securing a positive result at home is important for consolidating their mid-table position and maintaining proximity to the top of the league. The club's blend of experienced players, detailed on our squad page, will be tasked with delivering a performance that matches their social media confidence.
