Ipswich did not make official invitation to Nigel Farage to visit Portman Road, club source says
Reform posted a video of Farage at Portman Road this afternoon, where he thanked the club for a “lovely welcome”
A source close to Ipswich Town have told the Press Association they never invited Nigel Farage to Portman Road after the Reform leader posted photos from the ground.
Portman Road Events, which manages private tours of the stadium, is understood to have taken a booking on behalf of Reform for Monday afternoon, but the full extent of what was involved did not become apparent to the club until later that day when social media posts emerged on the party’s official account.
The Championship club have faced criticism on social media, with Reform posts potentially giving the impression Portman Road staged a party rally on Monday, which actually took place at Trinity Park in the town.
Reform posted “Portman Road Awaits” on X on Monday evening and Farage followed up with a post on Tuesday morning, with club branding and sponsors clearly visible in the photos posted online.
“I’ve never been too bad on the right wing,” Farage wrote on his official X account.
The party made a photo of Farage holding up a number 10 Ipswich shirt the banner on their official X account.
The club released the following statement:
"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."
Some supporters criticised Town on X, with one describing it as “PR suicide for a family club”.
Alex, another Ipswich fan, told the Press Association he was “disgusted and ashamed” at what had happened, adding: “It is a slap in the face to supporters and players, past and present.”
Reform UK did not comment, but sources close to the party insisted Farage had been invited by representatives of the club.
Reform posted a further video of Farage at Portman Road on Tuesday afternoon, where he thanked the club for a “lovely welcome”.
Farage said: “It’s a big end of the season for Ipswich, they’re really in contention to go back into the Premier League.
“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 trouble is, there’s only one job I’m really after.”
The video then cuts to the door of 10, Downing Street – the Prime Minister’s residence.
Norwich appeared to poke fun at their East Anglia rivals by posting on X: “Book a stadium tour of Carrow Road – new dates now available. Terms and conditions will most definitely apply.”
The text concluded with a ‘clenched teeth’ emoji.
Farage replied to Norwich’s post, writing “See you next week” followed by a winking face emoji.