Ipswich Town defend Nigel Farage visit as Championship club insists it is ‘apolitical’ | OneFootball

Ipswich Town has defended a visit by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, asserting its commitment to remaining “apolitical” and engaging with representatives “from across the political spectrum”.

The club’s stance comes after Farage’s appearance at Portman Road on Monday sparked criticism from some supporters.

Sources close to the Championship club initially indicated that no official invitation had been extended to Mr Farage, who was in Ipswich for a rally later that day. However, Reform UK sources disputed this, insisting that club representatives had indeed invited him.

During his visit, Mr Farage was photographed and filmed in the dressing room, press room and pitchside, where he thanked the club for the “lovely welcome”.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Ipswich Town did not refute that the visit had official approval.

Nigel Farage posed with a ‘10’ shirt at Portman Road (Nigel Farage/X)

The club clarified its position, stating: “Ipswich Town Football Club has, over several years, hosted representatives from a range of political parties. The club remains apolitical and does not support or endorse any individual or party. The club will continue to engage with representatives from across the political spectrum as part of its role within the community.”

The statement further emphasised the club’s pride in being an “inclusive, diverse and welcoming organisation”.

The visit drew sharp reactions from some Ipswich supporters online. One fan described it as “PR suicide for a family club” on X, while another, identified as Alex, told the Press Association he was “disgusted and ashamed”, calling it “a slap in the face to supporters and players, past and present”.

Reform UK actively promoted Mr Farage’s visit on social media. On Monday evening, the party posted “Portman Road awaits”, followed by a post from Mr Farage’s account on Tuesday morning, which read: “I’ve never been too bad on the right wing”, accompanied by images from his time at the stadium.

The party also used a photograph of Mr Farage holding an Ipswich number 10 shirt as the banner on its official X account.

A further video posted by Reform UK on Tuesday afternoon showed Mr Farage joking about potentially managing the club if they failed to secure promotion to the Premier League.

“It’s a big end of the season for Ipswich, they’re really in contention to go back into the Premier League,” he said. “Let’s hope they do, but if they don’t, I think there’s a chance here – I’ve had a chat with a few people on the manager’s job coming up next season, and I’m definitely on the shortlist.”

The video then cut to the door of 10 Downing Street, implying his true ambition.

Rival club Norwich City appeared to mock the situation on X, posting: “Book a stadium tour of Carrow Road – new dates now available. Terms and conditions will most definitely apply,” accompanied by a “clenched teeth” emoji.

Mr Farage responded to Norwich’s post with “See you next week” and a winking face emoji. On Tuesday evening, Reform UK posted “Leeds tonight. Not the football club” with a laughing face emoji.