Leyton Orient have criticised Wrexham and their celebrity owners over a badge on the Welsh club's new third kit. The League One side made their feelings known on social media on Wednesday, August 27, 2026, directly tagging actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
Wrexham had unveiled the cream-coloured kit with black collar and terracotta-orange detailing the previous day. Pictures of Reynolds and McElhenney modelling the shirt were posted on the club's official website. The focal point of Orient's complaint is the badge, which features two wyverns or dragons facing each other over a football. This incident was reported by the BBC.
Why did Leyton Orient object to the badge?
Leyton Orient's badge has prominently featured two wyverns since a 1976 redesign. The club explained that the mythological creature is a defender of the Thames and the sea, a symbol linked to the old Orient Shipping Company. That redesign was intended to incorporate the club's historic connections with the City of London and the River Thames. The social media team at Brisbane Road posted a video of former England manager Roy Hodgson using colourful language to emphasise their point. They also directly asked the Hollywood owners, "What you playing at @VancityReynolds @RMcElhenney?"
What is the history behind the symbols?
The wyvern holds a specific and long-standing place in Leyton Orient's identity, representing over a century of history since the club's 1881 founding. In contrast, Wrexham's traditional crest is distinctly Welsh. It features two red dragons facing inward, a golden football, the Prince of Wales feathers with a coronet and motto, and the colours of the Welsh flag. The adoption of the red dragon symbol by Wrexham is reported from 1973, drawing on a Welsh tradition that spans over 1,200 years. This is not the first recent emblem controversy for Wrexham, as weeks earlier they withdrew an anthem jacket from sale after fan backlash over its use of a white dragon instead of the traditional red.
How did the social media exchange unfold?
Leyton Orient's social media team employed a mix of direct questioning and pop culture references to make their case. After tagging the owners, they shared a gif of Ricky Gervais as David Brent from The Office with the text "Ooh you're hard" in response to a fan page intervening in the discussion. The approach was pointed and designed to garner attention, successfully turning a kit launch into a wider conversation about club identity and heritage.
What is Leyton Orient's current situation?
While this off-field issue plays out, Leyton Orient are preparing for their next League One fixture. The O's sit 10th in the table with 3 points from their opening two games, having recorded one win and one loss. Their goal difference stands at +1, with 3 scored and 2 conceded. They are currently three points behind early leaders Bradford City. Attention now turns to their upcoming match against Barnsley at home on August 29. Barnsley are 21st in the table, making it an important opportunity for Orient to build momentum. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming matches on our standings and fixtures pages. Securing a positive result will be the immediate priority for the squad as they look to climb the league.
