"This is a very well-argued and timely request for a long overdue review," said Ben Bradshaw, Labour MP for Exeter
Monday 27 July 2020 17:25, UK
The Exeter Chiefs board will meet on Wednesday to discuss changing the club's badge and branding.
Their badge and mascot feature a Native American, which campaigners say is racist.
It comes after NFL's Washington side announced earlier this month that it will drop the team name 'Redskins' and will be known as the 'Washington Football Team' until a replacement nickname is decided.
There are currently three petitions on change.org to change the Chiefs' branding, one of which - set up by fans of the club - has attracted more than 3,500 signatures.
"The club doesn't even need to change its name - Exeter Chiefs could refer to the Celtic Chiefs who inhabited the city and contributed to its rich and diverse history. It is the imagery that must change," the petition said.
Exeter MP Ben Bradshaw has also backed calls for change and praised those involved in putting a spotlight on the issue.
"This is a very well-argued and timely request for a long overdue review," he said on Twitter, adding: "I hope @ExeterChiefs will take it seriously."
The NFL's Washington franchise will be known as the 'Washington Football Team' through the 2020 season as it chooses a new name and logo.
The franchise announced earlier this month that it would drop the team name 'Redskins' from its name after 87 years amid a widespread reckoning over racism in the United States.
The club said it would weigh up its future identity, encouraging fans to use the new name immediately, with the team's season set to begin on September 13 against division rival Philadelphia Eagles.
"The decision to use 'Washington Football Team' for this season allows the franchise the ability to undertake an in-depth branding process," the team said in a statement last week.
"Over the next 50 days, we will begin the process of retiring all Redskins branding from team properties."
