Who knew what and when ahead of Farage's visit to Ipswich Town?

Nigel Farage's visit to Ipswich Town's Portman Road stadium has proved more than a little controversial and divisive among fans.

The Reform UK leader appeared at the home of the promotion-pushing Tractor Boys on Monday, posing with personalised shirts and even pretending to sign a contract.

The 61-year-old MP for Clacton, in Essex, has played down the visit – but it has generated heated debate among supporters and even former players.

So, how exactly did it come about, were fans misled, and could the whole incident prove damaging for the club's apolitical reputation?

Farage's Reform UK had teased his visit on social media on Monday, posting three images of the stadium with the caption: "Portman Road awaits".

The politician had been scheduled to be in the county that day on the campaign trail ahead of the local elections on 7 May.

He appeared in Felixstowe before abandoning a walkabout due to a protest before hosting an event for 900 people at Trinity Park, Ipswich.

At some point during that day, he stopped at Portman Road for a tour of the ground, during which he posed for photos and filmed a promotional video.

In the 30-second clip, he can be seen holding a "Farage 10" shirt, signing a shirt, and sitting in the home dressing room in front of three "Farage 10" shirts hanging behind him.

He also talks about the team's promotion chances and his hopes of becoming prime minister, before ending the video by saying "what a lovely welcome" he had received from the club.

Since the footage was first shared and circulated on social media, some fans of the Blues have voiced their disappointment in Town for hosting the divisive political figure.

One of those is Mark Meyrick, who has written to the club.

"There should be more due diligence on who gets to tour around the stadium and what they can do when they get there," he told BBC Suffolk.

"It turned into a massive photo opportunity which looked as if the club was on board with it – they didn't do their homework and then tried to cover it up, which does not really wash."

Another supporter of more than 40 years, Daniel King, also wrote to the club – specifically, to chairman and chief executive Mark Ashton.

He described allowing Farage to visit the club as a "very serious error".

"It should have been obvious that allowing Farage access in this way would cause anger, division and embarrassment among supporters," he said.

"I am ashamed and embarrassed that Ipswich Town has allowed itself to be placed in this position. The club should understand the depth of feeling this has caused."

Former Blues goalkeeper Craig Forrest was also not happy with Farage's visit.

"I was with Ipswich Town for 13 years and I don't remember a single politician ever being hosted by the club," he said in a statement.

And Blue Action, an Ipswich Town supporters' group, said there were "questions that should be answered by the club".

"Without setting the record straight, they are appearing complicit in allowing Ipswich Town to be used as a political platform by Farage and Reform," they said.

"They risk alienating large numbers of the fanbase."

Others, however, did not see a problem with the visit.

Simon Dain said: "I'm not an Ipswich supporter or a Farage fan but I don't see what the club have done wrong.

"The Left talk about tolerance as long as it's suits what they will tolerate.

"There are thousands [who] go to Portman Road whom I'm sure all have political differences, but the one thing that brings them together is their football club."

Season-ticket holder Phil told BBC Suffolk that he felt it was good publicity for the club, because it had "got everybody talking about the club", but "we need to move on from it".

Another lifelong fan, Maureen, added: "Get a grip – people are just getting on the bandwagon. There are more important things to think about on the pitch."

On Tuesday, the club initially suggested Farage had not officially been invited, and he or his team had booked a private tour in the same way that anyone else could.

However, Farage later told the BBC that he had "received an invitation from Ipswich, who knew I was in the area".

According to a report in The Guardian, "a handful of officials are understood to have had prior warning" that Farage would be taking a tour, "although they deny Farage's claim that he was in fact invited by Ipswich representatives".

The newspaper also claimed that his visit was "openly discussed among the first-team players when they convened for training".

In a statement later on Tuesday, the club said it had "hosted representatives from a range of political parties" over the years.

"The club remains apolitical and does not support or endorse any individual or party," it said.

"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."

Some will argue the controversy that has erupted from the visit will have benefited Farage, given the column inches it has generated and the online forums it has dominated.

But what about the effect on the club itself? Has it scored the biggest own goal at Portman Road since Norwich City defender Robert Ullathorne put through his own net for an East Anglian derby winner in 1996?

Debbie Watson, brand expert and director of Lexia PR in Woodbridge, near Ipswich, said "perception is just as important as managing the reality".

"This tells you how carefully brands have to manage who appears alongside them," she said.

"From a reputation point of view, it is far less about politics and more about perception and control because from what I can see Ipswich Town has not endorsed anyone.

"The imagery creates that sense of association whether it's intended or not.

"Anything that looks political creates a backlash amongst supporters because they expect neutrality, and that's where Ipswich have got themselves in a really difficult place.

"Access was granted somewhere along the line, operationally, but perhaps not reputationally, and that is a mistake that Ipswich Town cannot afford to have."

Several questions have been put to the club by the BBC.

They include asking who at the club knew the visit would be taking place; whether the event was initiated by the club or by Reform; who Farage signed a shirt for; and if the club knew the Reform leader would be using the club's and its sponsors' branding in its promotional material.

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