Arsenal FC distances itself from Jeremy Corbyn after ‘Gooners for Corbyn’ post
Alongside a picture of the club’s beloved mascot Gunnersaurus, Jeremy Corbyn urged supporters to canvas for him wearing Arsenal kits
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Arsenal Football Club has been forced to distance itself from Jeremy Corbyn after the former Labour leader promoted a “Gooners for Corbyn” event on social media.
Alongside a picture of the club’s beloved mascot Gunnersaurus, Mr Corbyn urged supporters to canvas for him wearing Arsenal kits.
“Are you an Arsenal fan?”, he asked, “Join our Gooners 4 Corbyn canvass on Wednesday at 6PM.
“Meet in front of the Arsenal Gift Shop outside the Emirates Stadium. Wear your Arsenal shirt!”
Click here for our live coverage of the general election campaign.
But the club told The Independent that it does not back Mr Corbyn, who is standing against the Labour Party as an independent candidate in Islington North.
A club source said: “To be clear, the club does not endorse any candidate locally or nationally.”
Mr Corbyn was suspended as a Labour MP in 2020 over his response to a damning report on antisemitism under his leadership.
He was then kicked out of the party altogether in May after announcing he would stand as an independent candidate for the general election on 4 July.
A spokesman for Mr Corbyn said: “This is a grassroots canvas event for Arsenal fans who want to support Jeremy Corbyn as the independent candidate in Islington North.”
The spokesman highlighted Mr Corbyn’s long-standing support for greater fan involvement in and ownership of football clubs.
Mr Corbyn is one of a slew of high profile political Arsenal fans alongside home secretary James Cleverly, former home secretary Priti Patel and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.
Sir Keir regularly attends Arsenal games and this month confirmed he has renewed his season ticket with the club ahead of a potential move into Downing Street after the election.
He has previously compared himself to manager Mikel Arteta, saying his party “lost its way” under Mr Corbyn but that it has been changed permanently under his leadership.
Mr Corbyn is campaigning in Islington North against local entrepreneur and campaigner Praful Nargund, who is Labour’s candidate.
The veteran left-winger won the seat with a majority of 26,000 in 2019, but it is hugely difficult for independent candidates to win against the major parties.
A Survation poll of the constituency published on Tuesday showed Labour is on course to win 43 per cent of the vote in Islington North, compared with Mr Corbyn on 29 per cent.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments