Ipswich Town have found themselves at the centre of a backlash from supporters after Reform UK leader Nigel Farage was allowed to visit Portman Road on Monday
20:54, 27 Mar 2026Updated 20:54, 27 Mar 2026
Nigel Farage visited Portman Road on Monday(Image: X)
Ipswich Town chairman Mark Ashton has taken the unusual step of releasing a video interview to address anger over the club’s decision to welcome Nigel Farage at Portman Road. The Reform UK leader visited the Championship club’s home on Monday, sparking a backlash from supporters.
Farage was in Ipswich ahead of a political rally to launch the party’s local elections campaign. He booked himself on a stadium tour and used the visit as a photo opportunity, sharing pictures of himself in the dressing room with ‘Farage 10’ shirts.
After being called out by fans for allowing the controversial right-wing MP to visit, Ipswich issued a statement saying the club was “apolitical and does not support or endorse any individual or party”. But questions have remained around how Farage came to visit and the way the situation has been dealt with since.
Ashton has therefore appeared in front of the camera on the club’s own channels to grovel. He said there were “mistruths” about Farage’s visit but did not explain what they were.
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“I’m fully aware that this has been a very difficult week for all of us,” he said. “The staff are hurting, elements of the fanbase are hurting and so are elements of our local community. And that upsets me immensely – and, for that, I will unreservedly apologise and say I am sorry.”
Asked if he could understand the anger, Ashton added: “Yes, I understand that supporters and elements of the community are angry. I also understand that there are a number of mistruths out there about what’s actually happened this week.
“And I also understand that we have lessons to learn because mistakes have been made that have caused harm and distress to parts of our local community. And as the chairman of the club, I take full responsibility for those mistakes and full responsibility for making sure that those lessons are learnt and learnt quickly.
Mark Ashton apologised for Nigel Farage’s visit(Image: Ipswich Town)
“The full board of directors are now reviewing the policy in regards how we engage with local politicians and political parties.”
Ipswich’s original club statement read: “Following Monday’s visit by the Reform party and its leader, Nigel Farage, the club would like to issue the following statement: 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.
“Ipswich Town is proud to be an inclusive, diverse, and welcoming organisation that supports all members of the local and wider community. This commitment remains unchanged.”
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