Ipswich Town has insisted it remains an “inclusive and diverse” organisation after Nigel Farage turned a tour of Portman Road into a political campaign event.
During a visit to the ground on Monday, Farage filmed himself inside the home dressing room, held up a shirt with the No 10 and his name on the back, and suggested he was in the running for the manager’s job at the Suffolk club in a promotional video that was posted online.
Farage said that Ipswich, who are third in the Championship table, “are really in contention” to go back into the Premier League. “Let’s hope they do it,” he said, “but if they don’t, I think there’s the chance here, and I’ve had a chat with a few people, of the manager’s job coming up next season and I’m definitely on the shortlist.”
The video was immediately criticised by Ipswich supporters who variously described it as “shameful”, “embarrassing” and “PR suicide for a family club”.
The club issued a statement on Tuesday afternoon distancing itself from the Reform Party leader.
“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 statement read.
“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.”
It is understood that Farage was not an invited guest at the club. According to reports by the East Anglian Daily Times, the tour was booked without using Reform or Farage’s name and the printed shirt was bought from the club shop and not gifted to the 61-year-old.
Reform, meanwhile, posted a further video of Farage at Portman Road on Tuesday afternoon, where he thanked the club for a “lovely welcome”.
Local rivals Norwich City posted what appeared to be their own response to the Farage tour, advertising visits to Carrow Road but warning “terms and conditions will most definitely apply”.
Farage replied to the Norwich post on X, saying “See you next week!”