Credit: Nigel Farage on Youtube/Imago

Declan Carr

Wed 25 March 2026 12:40, UK

Nigel Farage has joked about making an appearance at Leeds United‘s Elland Road home.

The controversial politician sparked outrage when he appeared at Ipswich Town’s Portman Road Stadium, holding a shirt and joking that he could be their next manager.

The Championship club released a statement which distanced themselves from Farage after the controversy.

He is understood not to have been invited by the East Anglia side, and the stadium tour was not booked in his name or with anything to do with his Reform Party.

Leeds were the subject of his next wind up, as he proposed a visit to their famous stadium.

What was Farage’s joke about Leeds United?

Leeds’ home stadium is set for huge renovation, which will take the capacity to 53,000, an audience which the former UKIP leader would have loved.

The 61-year-old was holding a rally for his party in Leeds on 24 March, at the First Direct Arena, which is 3.2 miles away from the Whites’ ground.

He took to social media before it, making a mockery of the Ipswich situation, saying: “I’m live from Elland Road tonight.

“Just kidding… see you at the Leeds Arena.”

Leeds did not comment on the matter on their own social media.

Why has the Ipswich situation proved so controversial?

The Ipswich situation has proven so controversial due to the nature of Farage’s politics, they are divisive, it is as simple as that.

The fact that he seemingly did it all behind the club’s back, and the booking was not in his or his parties name has also rubbed many people up the wrong way.

Ipswich’s statement after the fact slammed the politician, saying: “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.”

His presence in Leeds was met with a mixed response, and there were protests at the event from Stand Up To Racism Leeds, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post.

Some supporters will not like his joking about their club, given his beliefs and the policies that he endorses, but he is allowed to make jokes on social media, due to free speech.

It was not a harmful joke, it was just playful and no matter your view on his politics, it is a clever move to get more attention for his party and their rally, and potentially get more people to attend it.