Nigel Farage’s appearance on Portman Road caused huge backlash (Image: ×)
As a lifelong supporter of Ipswich Town, it is extremely embarrassing that Nigel Farage was rolled out on the red carpet during his visit to Portman Road, which should never have happened.
Unless you’ve ever been in a bind, you’ll be aware that Town became a national laughing stock on Monday by allowing the reformist leaders to prance around their famous old stadium. He was also photographed smiling broadly while posing in the media suite, and sitting in the changing room with a shirt with his name carefully placed behind him.
This is a truly terrible situation for a club that has been known for its progressive, inclusive and family-oriented nature for as long as I have supported it.
Right-wing populists now roam the place filming cheesy political content for social media. It goes against everything the blues has stood for historically.
Mr Farage’s visit caused an overwhelming backlash among his supporters, and it is not difficult to see why. Just a few decades ago, fans in the North Stand could regularly be heard shouting, “Ipswich lives in racial harmony.”
Going back this far, it seems like the club is happy to treat their right-wingers like royalty, but I’m not talking about players like Wes Barnes or Casey McAteer.
Perhaps most galling of all was the weak and pathetic official response, which appeared to change throughout Monday as the club slowly realized the gravity of their mistake.
Local media, including the East Anglian Daily Times and TWTD, initially reported that Ipswich insisted it had no official involvement in Mr Farage’s visit. It was claimed that he had not been invited, but had been booked on the stadium tour, similar to paying customers.
The Blues subsequently said in a wishful statement that representatives of various political parties had been entertained over the years and that the club “remains apolitical”.
Later, to the surprise of no one, The Athletic reported that Farage’s invitation had actually been extended by sources in the club’s executive ranks.
It’s hard not to feel disrespected by your team in these misguided attempts to minimize backlash from a loyal supporter base that rarely takes up arms without a very good reason.
It is never a wise idea for a football club to align itself with any political party, but it is even worse when a party that goes against the values of inclusivity and equal opportunities is welcomed with open arms.
It is also bitterly ironic that this was allowed to happen just two days after these very values were upheld in the annual Foundation fixture against Millwall at the weekend.
It really pains me to say this, but I’m embarrassed to be an Ipswich supporter at this point. Fans of other teams have sent messages asking what the club is thinking, but they have not received any answers.
One can only wonder why someone thought it was a good idea to allow it. There’s no way you’re going to gain anything by letting Farage through the door. Honestly, I wish they had called Delia Smith.
Express sports on FB! Get all the best sports news and more on our Facebook page.
