Detroit Red Wings denounce use of their logo by white nationalists in Charlottesville

Among the shields, body armour and informal uniforms donned by white nationalists who rallied in Charlottesville, Va., over the weekend was a familiar symbol — the winged-wheel logo of the NHL's Detroit Red Wings.

• 'Not the Charlottesville I know': Residents chase away white supremacist after deadly rally

• Civil rights probe launched after clashes at white nationalist rally in Virginia leave 1 dead

On Saturday the hockey team issued  a statement through social media strongly condemning the use of their distinctive red symbol, stating the organization "vehemently" disagreed with the violent clashes over the weekend that left one woman dead after a man drove a car into a counter-protest.

The team also stated it's considering legal action for the unsanctioned use of their logo, which dates back to the 1930s.

The NHL also released a statement following the violent clashes, saying the league was "outraged by the irresponsible and improper use of our intellectual property."

"This specific use is directly contrary to the value of inclusiveness that our League prioritizes and champions," the statement added.

On Monday Detroit residents joined the team in denouncing the use of the symbol of their city.

"Here we have a great culture of minorities," said Ciara Banner. "Seeing this logo [in the riots in Virginia], this is really not fair for our city."

Red Wings fan Kyle Cyple agreed and stated he believes the logo was just used to attract attention.

"It does not represent the values we have here," he added.