Fans launch petition to ban Nigel Farage from Sunderland AFC
More than 1,800 people have signed the online petition calling on the football club to block the Reform leader after he claimed he’d been invited to attend a game at the Stadium of Light.
βI’ve been talking to one of the directors, and they’d very much like to see me there for a home game,β Farage told ITV News last month.
The petition, launched on change.org, urges the club to publicly oppose any visits from Mr Farage or other politicians, arguing that his presence would be “hugely controversial.”
It states that Mr Farageβs previous appearance at Ipswich Town was a “cynical” photo opportunity and claims the same would happen in Sunderland.
The petition reads: “He doesnβt care about the club, has never mentioned it before, and has no real connection with it.
It also argues that his politics “are diametrically opposed to the clubβs values,” referencing Sunderlandβs working-class heritage.
Backing the calls one supporter named Gary said: “We are an inclusive club who (sic) stand against everything this man is advocating, please, no.”
It further asks the club to clarify whether an invitation was extended, by whom, and in what form and capacity.
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The petitionβs organiser, who goes by the username Lifelong Mackem, said: “A huge thank you to everyone who has signed and shared the petition so far, helping it to reach over 1,700 signatures.”
Support has also come from outside of the fanbase, with oneΒ signer named Alan writing: “Everton fan in solidarity.”
Sunderland AFC has been contacted for comment.
Do you support the petition? What do you think of football clubs hosting political figures? Share you thoughts in the comments.