Ipswich Town defend Nigel Farage visit as Championship club insists it is ‘apolitical’
Nigel Farage visited Ipswich Town’s Portman Road stadium on Monday and posted about it on social media afterwards
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”.