Nigel Farage says he has been invited to watch Sunderland after Ipswich visit backlash

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage claims he was offered an invitation to attend Sunderland’s home game at the Stadium of Light and believes more football clubs should be willing to contact him about the proposed Independent Football Regulator.

The announcement follows criticism earlier this week after Mr Farage visited Ipswich Town’s Portman Road stadium on Monday ahead of a rally in the town.

During his visit, he posed for photos in the dressing room, media facilities and pitchside, and recorded a video thanking the Suffolk club for the “welcoming” he received.

Speaking in Sunderland, where Reform UK launched its local election campaign, Farage expressed his desire to attend a match at the Stadium of Light soon.

“I’m hoping to get to a home game at some point before the end of the season,” he told ITV News.

“I’m talking to one of the managers and they would love to have me there for a home game. If I can make it, I will.”

Reports suggest the invitation came from Sunderland director Juan Sartori. Sunderland have been contacted for comment on the invitation.

Mr Farage believes other clubs should be open to discussions about the government’s plan to create an independent regulator for English football; This body aims to operate separately from both the government and existing football authorities.

“Football clubs should want to talk to me,” Mr Farage said. “You know why? The government is about to bring in a football regulator and I think the last thing English football needs – given how hugely successful the Premier League has been – is a state-appointed regulator.”

He added: “It was a speech I made at Ipswich the other day, I’ll be making it at Sunderland soon and I want to talk to all the clubs about it.”

He explained his intentions: “This is not about support. This is about a football club being open to leaders of national political parties.”