Massive backlash after Reform UK leader visits Portman Road

08:50, Wed, Mar 25, 2026 Updated: 09:01, Wed, Mar 25, 2026

Nigel Farage during his visit to Ipswich Town FC

Nigel Farage during his visit to Ipswich Town FC (Image: Nigel Farage)

A Championship club have hit back at critics who complained that Nigel Farage was allowed to visit their stadium. The Reform UK leader made a trip to Ipswich Town's Portman Road stadium on Monday, where he posed for pictures with a personalised shirt that had a number 10 on the back.

There were also pictures of him in the dressing room and another of him looking as if he was signing a contract. In a light-hearted social media post, the Clacton MP quipped: “I’ve never been too bad on the Right-wing.” But the visit ahead of the May 7 local elections sparked a backlash from fans of the Tractor Boys, who complained the club had been turned into a political football.

Ipswich Town later hit back, pointing out that they had hosted politicians from other parties.

The backlash included a post on X from Labour councillor Alasdair Ross, who said: “Very upset they Farage and Reform have been able to use our football club for publicity the same week we celebrated Ipswich Town Foundation Day – the sort of work Farage would call ‘woke’.”

And Ipswich Fans Supporting Foodbanks said on X: “People in Ipswich are relying on foodbanks to survive. Meanwhile, we see PR for Farage and a party claiming people can live on 30p meals.”

This is a reference to Reform MP Lee Anderson, who once said it was possible to cook a nutritious meal for 30p and suggested people should be taught how to cook.

In a statement, the club said: “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.

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“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.”