A Championship football club is facing a fan backlash after Reform UK leader Nigel Farage posted pictures of himself touring its stadium – quipping that he has “never been too bad on the right wing”.
Mr Farage’s appearance at Portman Road – the home of Ipswich Town FC – was arranged through a booking with Portman Road Events.
The full nature of the visit only became clear to the club later, when images were shared on Reform UK’s X account on Tuesday morning.
The Suffolk club has since faced criticism online, with posts from Reform UK potentially giving the impression a political event had taken place at Portman Road.
A rally linked to the party was actually held elsewhere in Ipswich, at Trinity Park on Monday.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage at the home of Championship play off hopefuls, Ipswich Town FC. Credit: Nigel Farage / X
Reform posted images from inside the stadium, including photos of Mr Farage holding an Ipswich Town shirt adorned with a number 10, with club branding and sponsors visible.
Reform UK’s leader also wrote: “I’ve never been too bad on the right wing.”
In a statement addressing the backlash on Tuesday afternoon, the club said that it “remains apolitical and does not support or endorse any individual or party”.It added that it was “proud to be an inclusive, diverse, and welcoming organisation that supports all members of the local and wider community.”
However, some supporters have voiced their anger online.
One fan described the situation as “PR suicide for a family club”, while another said they felt “disgusted and ashamed”, calling it “a slap in the face to supporters and players, past and present.”
Reform UK did not comment, however, sources close to the party said Mr Farage had been invited by representatives of the club.
Further footage posted on Tuesday showed Farage at Portman Road thanking the club for what he described as a “lovely welcome”.
Reform UK leader, Nigel Farage in the home dressing room of Ipswich Town football club in Suffolk. Credit: Nigel Farage / X Credit: Nigel Farage / X
In the same video, which was posted on X, he joked about Ipswich’s promotion hopes this season and his own ambitions, saying: “There’s only one job I’m really after,” before the clip cut to the door of 10 Downing Street.
East Anglian football rivals, Norwich City, also joined the online reaction, appearing to mock the visit with a post promoting stadium tours at their home ground, Carrow Road, adding: “Terms and conditions will most definitely apply.”
Farage replied: “See you next week,” followed by a winking emoji.
Mr Farage had been visiting Suffolk on Monday, where a planned walkabout in Felixstowe was curtailed after protesters heckled him, playing the Dad’s Army theme tune.
The Reform UK leader later told ITV News Anglia that he had felt “intimidated” by the protesters.
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