Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna makes his feelings clear after Nigel Farage visit sparks fury

Ed Griffiths
Thu, 02 Apr 2026 16:48:14 +0000

Kieran McKenna has expressed confidence Nigel Farage's appearance at Portman Road last week will not derail Ipswich Town's push for top-flight football.

The Reform UK leader's visit sparked criticism from a portion of the club's supporters, leading to backlash on social media.

In response to the controversy, Ipswich released a statement defending their decision to host Farage, insisting the club maintains an "apolitical" position and remains open to engaging with figures "from across the political spectrum".

The visit took place ahead of a Reform UK rally held at Trinity Park in Ipswich on the same day.

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During his time at the stadium, Farage was photographed in the home dressing room, the press room, and beside the pitch.

The politician also recorded a video expressing gratitude for the "lovely welcome" extended to him by the club.

The Tractor Boys now turn their attention back to matters on the pitch as they look to maintain their automatic promotion challenge.

McKenna's squad will host Birmingham City at Portman Road on Monday evening, with the manager facing questions about whether supporter reaction to the political visit might affect the atmosphere for the crucial Championship fixture.

McKenna told a press conference: "I think that bit’s hard for me to comment on.

"If you ask me, in terms of any concerns inside the training ground here, with the staff, with players, then honestly, I feel everyone is really together, really motivated and looking forward to the run-in.

"Knowing that it’s a big challenge, but a big opportunity in terms of how supporters feel and things like that.

"That’s not for me to say."

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He added: "All we can control is what we put on to the pitch for them, and control as much of that as we can.

"Our home support always has been fantastic in my time here.

"And the best way that we can bring that support behind the team, and keep everyone noisy and pushing us, is to deliver a really strong performance in the absolute identity that the supporters can be proud of.

"So that’s all that I can control, or the players can control at the moment. And I really believe that we’ll do that on Monday, and when we do that, I’m really confident that the supporters will be right there behind us.”

Sources close to the Championship club insisted no official invitation had been issued to Farage, while Reform UK contested that claim, saying he had been invited by the club's representatives.

McKenna said: "You don’t like to see a situation that’s caused discord among the supporters and people who care about the club.

"But other than that, honestly, I think there’s been lots of opinions and dialogue on it and I think adding my opinion to that doesn’t benefit that much.

"My focus has just been here, working with the players who haven’t been on international duty, trying to get ready for the last eight games, looking forward."