Last week I showcased a very uplifting story about Bell FC in Epping. (Link ) Many will remember that the Shirt Project was set up by Bjorn Heidenstrom to support the United Nations Commissioner for Refugees
He cycled from Norway to South Africa as he wanted to do something POSITIVE.
So, it’s particularly disappointing to see Mansfield Town supporting Reform UK by hosting their Christmas Party.

Whatever one’s political views supporting an organisation that is openly and avowedly NON inclusive is the very antithesis of sport “bringing us together.” If Mansfield Town had illusions of being a community club a la QPR or Brentford they have well and truly blown it with this event. For those who are not huge football fans, the current manager at the club is none other than Nigel Clough whose father was the great Brian Clough. Clough senior was a lifelong socialist and anti fascist. He would be turning in his grave if he knew about this event. He was a founder sponsor of the Anti Nazi League alongside Jack Charlton. He signed the organisation’s founding statement in 1977. It warned of “the “worrying prospect of a Nazi party gaining significant support in Britain.” This was a significant boost to the Anti-Nazi League at a time when the fascist National Front was having an impact on British political life, and overt racism was widespread in English football. Fortunately in the last 50 years progress has been made in stamping out the racism and its associated violence.

The chief guest at the event is Lee Anderson who this week is the Chairman of Reform UK (remember they are not an affiliated party.) He is a divisive individual, being polite, and The New Statesman took him to task for betraying Brian Clough’s ideals. (17 August 2023) so it is especially ironic his attendance here.

The event is getting much comment on Social Media groups and little reflects well on Mansfield Town FC.

I have written to Neil Bainbridge, the Senior Safeguarding Manager at Mansfield Town and explained how unacceptable I find the club supporting Reform. If he responds, I will add it to this post.

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