Roaring Lion artwork welcomes Millwall fans to The Den
A mural depicting Millwall’s record goal scorer, which was painted over by graffiti removers, has been replaced by a rampant lion.
The Banksy-style stencil picture of Neil Harris, in Stockholm Road just yards from The Den, was removed on April 1 last year – long before the former Lions striker quit as manager in October.
The iconic painting of Harris with arms outstretched, by Kieran MacIver – on the opposite wall to the new Lion – disappeared overnight, despite being a favoured selfie-spot for tourists. Network Rail also have plans to bring back the original Harris mural.
It was an emotive reminder of the forward’s battle against cancer and the club’s resilience against stereotyping.
Network Rail said: “We were not aware of it so unable to warn our graffiti removal team that it was there.
“We work with artists and communities across the South East to make our bridges and viaducts better places for people to live around, and we have completed murals for other football clubs in London, too.”
Like some Millwall fans, the King of the Jungle has a bit of a belly, which may be why his crown jewels are not visible.