Reform UK leader Nigel Farage says he has been offered a visit to a Sunderland home game at the Stadium of Light, with reports indicating the offer came from club director Juan Sartori.
The Reform UK leader’s potential visit to the Black Cats comes just days after his trip to Ipswich Town’s Portman Road attracted criticism.
Farage visited the Championship club’s ground on Monday prior to holding a rally at Trinity Park in the Suffolk town.
The politician was photographed in various locations around the stadium, including the dressing room, media areas and beside the pitch. He later expressed gratitude for the “lovely welcome” he had received.
The Tractor Boys faced backlash following Mr Farage’s appearance at their ground, where he recorded video content and posed for photographs across multiple areas of the facility.
His visit to Portman Road took place ahead of a political gathering later that same day.
The Reform UK leader used the occasion to thank Ipswich for their hospitality.
A statement released by the club read: “The club remains apolitical and does not support or endorse any individual or party.”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage says he has been offered a visit to a Sunderland home game at the Stadium of Light
|
GETTY
They added: “The club will continue to engage with representatives from across the political spectrum as part of its role within the community.”
The East Anglian outfit further emphasised its commitment to being “an inclusive, diverse and welcoming organisation”
The criticism directed at the Suffolk club has not deterred Mr Farage from seeking similar engagements with other football teams.
Mr Farage was present in Sunderland to unveil Reform UK’s campaign for the upcoming local elections when he revealed his hopes of watching the Black Cats play before the current season concludes.
Nigel Farage caused a stir on social media after posting pictures of himself with the Ipswich shirt | X
“I am hoping to go to a home game there at some point before the end of the season,” Mr Farage told ITV News.
“I have been talking to one of the directors and they would very much like to see me there for a home game. If I can make it, I will.”
The Reform UK leader argued English clubs should be willing to engage with him regarding the newly established Independent Football Regulator, which operates separately from both governmental and footballing bodies.
He said: “Football clubs should want to talk to me.”
Nigel Farage thanked the club for the ‘lovely welcome’ he had received
| X
Mr Farage added: “You know why? The government is about to bring in a football regulator and I think the last thing English football needs – given what a massive success the Premier League is – is a state-appointed regulator.
“It is a conversation I had at Ipswich the other day, I will have at Sunderland before very long and I want to speak to all the clubs about this.”
Mr Farage added: “It is not about support. It is about a football club being open to leaders of national political parties.”