UMVA has learned that Nigel Farage, the leader of the Reform party, has sparked controversy on social media after posting a photo of himself enjoying a pint with friends, claiming it was from the same evening as England's recent match.
The photo, which was taken in 2024, shows Farage smiling and laughing with his friends as they watch a football match. However, many users quickly pointed out that the image was old, and Farage was attempting to present it as a recent photo.
One user sarcastically commented that Farage had arranged for everyone he was in the pub with in 2024 to get back together in their same clothes to watch England play Croatia. Another user speculated that if Keir Starmer was caught using a picture of himself from two years ago to celebrate an England win, the backlash would probably be enough to finish him off.
Farage has been making efforts to appear as a 'man of the people' and has been spotted wearing an England top while campaigning for Robert Kenyon, the Reform candidate in the Makerfield by-election. However, his attempts to talk football have backfired before, and this latest incident may have damaged his reputation.
This is not the first time that Farage's party has faced backlash for their comments on football. Earlier this week, Reform MP Sarah Pochin faced criticism for suggesting that England's wins would help reduce domestic violence.
Farage himself caused controversy in March when he visited Ipswich Town and posed with a shirt featuring his name and Number 10. The party looks set to win the next election, but after last night's gaffe, Farage clearly needs to brush up on his tactics.
Sources close to the party have confirmed that Farage will be hoping Kenyon can pull off an upset in the by-election, but it remains to be seen how this latest controversy will affect his chances.
