Why white supremacists are using Red Wings logo

Over the weekend, various white supremacy groups marched on the grounds of the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. In a sicking display of white nationalism, the Unite The Right marchers hoisted signs and flags with symbols of white pride, fascism, and Nazi swastikas across the campus.

On Saturday morning, several marchers were seen carrying the Detroit Red Wings logo, an incongruous symbol among the more blatant displays of Nazism.

The Detroit Red Wings were quick to condemn the use of their logo in such a disturbing and hateful manner.

"We are exploring every possible legal action as it pertains to the misuse of our logo during the demonstration," Red Wings Director of Public Relations Todd Beam told For The Win.

So, why are some marchers using that logo?

According to Russian Machine, the logo has been co-opted by a far right group that uses the same name as the hockey team.

The Detroit Right Wings (motto: Rust Reforged!) are a Michigan-based group of Identitarians, an anti-immigrant vein of white nationalism that counts Richard Spencer among its proponents.

The group has been marching with the Red Wings logo and displays it on their YouTube channel, which has a total of 16 subscribers.

What's happening in Charlottesville right now is a vile and hateful display that just goes against basic human decency. Fans like to think sports exist in a bubble away from much of what is happening politically in this country, but this proves that we can't always turn away.