Ex-Norwich City icon slams Ipswich Town chairman Mark Ashton for promotion celebrations antics | OneFootball

Former Norwich City striker Iwan Roberts has criticised Ipswich Town CEO Mark Ashton after he was caught singing an offensive song about Delia Smith.

Ipswich Town secured an immediate return to the Premier League after a comfortable 3-0 win over QPR on the final day.

Kieran McKenna’s side went into the game knowing that a win meant they would finish second, so their fate was in their hands.

And, the Tractor Boys made light work of the R’s, with early goals from George Hirst and Jaden Philogene ensuring Portman Road was bouncing throughout, and Kasey McAteer got a late third to cap off the afternoon.

Ipswich CEO Mark Ashton criticised by Iwan Roberts after Delia Smith chant

Since then, all connected to Ipswich have been understandably enjoying their promotion, with CEO Mark Ashton joining in with the players as they celebrated with supporters on Saturday.

However, Ashton caused some controversy as he was caught on video joining in an offensive chant about Delia Smith, who obviously was majority shareholder of Norwich City for decades.

That didn’t go down well with the Canaries’ fans, and former City player Iwan Roberts - who played over 300 times in all competitions for the club - took to X to share his thoughts on Ashton’s behaviour.

“Love a rivalry and a bit of banter but think the Ipswich CEO really needs to have a look at himself congrats on promotion by the way.”

The East Anglian rivalry has been particularly fierce this season, with Marcelino Nunez’s transfer from Norwich to Ipswich in the summer setting the tone.

Ipswich had bragging rights in both fixtures on the pitch, ending Norwich’s dominance in the derby by beating them 3-1 at home, and they left Norfolk with all three points last month in what was a crucial victory in their quest for promotion.

Ipswich and Norwich rivalry has had an extra edge this season

Most would agree with Roberts’ assessment here, as Ashton really shouldn’t be getting involved in chants like that.

We know that fans can often cross the line in what they sing, and Ipswich fans will rightly point to the abuse that Nunez has received from Norwich supporters, but you don’t expect a CEO to get dragged into things like that.

So, he may now regret that, and it wouldn’t be a massive surprise if he had reached out to apologise behind the scenes.

Ultimately, it was a great day, and season, for Ipswich, and it’s understandable that they want to rub it in Norwich’s faces, as that’s what football is all about.

As mentioned, there’s no denying the Nunez transfer has given this rivalry an extra edge, and the Chile international has had the last laugh by helping Ipswich reach the Premier League.

Of course, there won’t be an East Anglian derby next season, which is a shame, but Norwich are a club on the rise under Philippe Clement, who has done an outstanding job.

Therefore, they will fancy their chances of reaching the top flight, and it would be great for both clubs if the next time they meet is in the Premier League.

Either way, it’s certain to be a feisty clash, as Norwich will no doubt remember the way Ipswich have celebrated their promotion, and they will be desperate to get one back on their rivals when they do play again.