In a similar way The Smiths were denounced too, when posing outside the Salford Lads Club because
A) they weren't from Salford
B) The club were annoyed they hadn't sought permission to use the club as a background (the club lost a court case seeking royalties)
C) The club's committee, being staunch royalists, were annoyed that the club was associated with the album's title 'The Queen Is Dead''
Now of course the club embraces the bands legacy and welcomes fans from all round the world and has a Smiths memorabilia room inside!
Back to Shelagh Delaney and she actually appears in the film! Right at the beginning when Jo is playing netball (badly) there are very quick shots of the teacher blowing her whistle. Immediately behind the teacher stands the lone figure of Delaney, in a long dark coat just standing there watching the netball game!
Hazel Blears, the former Salford MP also appears in the film as one of the street urchins in Salford