Ipswich fans have said they are “disgusted and ashamed” after the Reform Party leader, Nigel Farage, was able to stage a photo opportunity at Portman Road on Monday.
The club declined to comment, but some supporters criticised them on social media with one describing it as “PR suicide for a family club”. Another fan, Alex, 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.”
It is understood that no official invitation was made by Ipswich to Farage. Portman Road Events, which manages private tours of the stadium, has seemingly taken a booking on behalf of Reform, 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.
Reform UK has been contacted for comment.
Reform posted a further video of Farage at Portman Road on Tuesday afternoon, where he thanked the club for a “lovely welcome”.
