Ipswich Town chairman Mark Ashton has “unreservedly” apologised for the handling of Nigel Farage's visit to Portman Road.
The Reform UK leader was during a visit to Ipswich's stadium on Monday. Images were shared of Farage in the home dressing room and holding up a shirt with his name and the number 10 on it. The MP for Clacton was also photographed signing a mock contract during his trip to Portman Road, which led to backlash from parts of the club's staff, fanbase and local community.
Following his visit, Farage released a party campaign video on social media where he referenced his bid to become the UK Prime Minister.
In a statement on Tuesday, Ipswich 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.
“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.”
While Ipswich claimed they were “apolitical”, The Athletic have since reported that an associate of Ashton invited Farage to Portman Road. The chairman and the club's COO, Luke Werhun, had lunch with the MP for Clacton and gifted him six ‘Farage 10’ shirts.
Ashton has since apologised for the “harm and distress” caused by the handling of Farage's visit to Portman Road.
“I'm fully aware that this has been a very difficult week for all of us,” Ashton said in a video posted by the club.
“The staff are hurting. Elements of the fanbase are hurting. So are elements of our local community. That upsets me immensely.
“Unreservedly, I want to apologise and say I'm sorry.”
FGG says: Fans and staff may be relucant to accept apology
Ashton may have apologised, but the claim that Farage was invited to Portman Road will anger fans and staff who do not support the divisive political leader.
Having seen their club being used as a political tool by Farage, there will be many fans who will be reluctant to accept Ashton's apology, especially as there was a naive outlook about how the visit would be received. Those supporters will, at the very least, hope the club learns valuable lessons from the controversy to avoid a similar situation in the future.