Headdresses and face paint banned by Kansas City Chiefs

Further developments with Kansas City Chiefs as they have banned fans from wearing headdresses or using face paint that ‘appropriates American Indian cultures’ for any of their home games.

At present they are still using the Arrowhead Chop, which is where a celebrity bangs a drum and supporters make a chopping motion, but it is understood that they will also review this.

It has taken a long time for this decision to be made – six years ago the defending NFL champions started official talks with a group of local leaders from diverse American Indian backgrounds.

Back in July there was an announcement following the recent Black Lives Matter protests where Washington Football Team decided to retire its Redskins name.

In the past the Chiefs’ fans had been ‘discouraged’ from wearing headdresses and face paint at Arrowhead Stadium.

The club has released a statement stating: “We are grateful for the meaningful conversations we have had with all of these American Indian leaders.

“It is important that we continue the dialogue on these significant topics, and we look forward to continuing to work together in the future.”

Meanwhile in England in July, rugby union side Exeter Chiefs also announced that whilst they were keeping their Native American name and logo they are retiring the club’s ‘Big Chief’ mascot.

It is not just rugby and American football but also in baseball, where Cleveland Indians are currently discussing a name change.