The Reform UK leader was at Portman Road on Monday and subsequently posted pictures of himself holding up an Ipswich Town shirt with ‘Farage 10’ on the back, as well as a short party campaign video filmed at the ground.
A sizeable number of supporters voiced their anger and disappointment at the club being used as a ‘political football’ , stating that it risked creating division among the fanbase ahead of a crucial late push for promotion back to the Premier League.
The club originally briefed that Farage and his team had booked a private tour, purchased shirts themselves and were not hosted in any official capacity. They later released a statement that stressed they were ‘apolitical’.
However, the saga continued when The Athletic reported that they had seen proof that Farage had indeed been invited and gifted shirts, with the BBC later revealing original contact to have come from club consultant James Pearce .
The EADT and Ipswich Star called for the club to apologise , and subsequently called upon it answer several questions that remained unanswered .
Tonight, Ashton has apologised to supporters via a video message posted by the club.
In it, he says: “I’m fully aware that this has been a very difficult week for all of us. 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.”
Asked if he understood the strength of feeling, he replied: “Yes. I understand that supporters and element of the community are angry. I also understand that there are a number of mistruths out there about what’s actually happened this week. And I also understand that we have lessons to learn. Because mistakes have been made which have caused harm and distress to parts of our local community.
“And as the chairman of the club I take full responsibility for those mistakes. And full responsibility for making sure that those lessons are learnt and learnt quickly.
“The full board of directors are now reviewing the policy regards how we engage with local politicians and political parties. That’s happening right now. We’ll decide how, if and when we do that moving forward. Because, again, lessons have to be learnt.”
Asked for his message to supporters that are hurting, Ashton said: “Again, I start with ‘I’m sorry’. I’ve been at this football club for over five years now and I care passionately about this football club. Anyone who knows me, knows that myself, my team, my investors, my directors, get up every single morning wanting to make this football club a better place, improve us and move us forwards quickly.
“We’ve been really successful doing that together and I know this will have dented an element of the trust and the faith between the club and its fanbase. We have to put that right. And to put that right we have to work hard, continue with the plan and be the very best versions of ourselves. We have lots to do.
“When we’ve been the best at what we do, we’ve been together. I repeat, it’s been a very difficult week. I unreservedly apologise for any hurt, pain or distress that’s been caused. But we are better when we move together as one and there is lots to fight for on and off the pitch as we move forwards.”
A message from Ipswich Town Chairman, Mark Ashton. ⤵️
— Ipswich Town (@IpswichTown) March 27, 2026