Ed Sheeran's Squad Number Sparks 'Woke' Backlash at Ipswich Town

Ipswich Town's Bizarre Tradition Leaves Fans Gobsmacked: Ed Sheeran Given Squad Number

In a shocking move that has left football fans scratching their heads, Ipswich Town FC has once again given superstar singer Ed Sheeran the squad number 17 in their latest team lineup. The decision has sparked outrage among some supporters, who have taken to social media to express their disgust and frustration.

But what's behind this bizarre tradition? And why do some fans think it's gone too far?

For those unfamiliar with the story, let's start from the beginning. Ed Sheeran, a lifelong fan of Ipswich Town, has been involved with the club since 2021 when he became a minority stakeholder. As part of his deal, he acquired a 1.4% stake in the club, which is a passive and minority investment only. In other words, he won't be joining the board or making any major decisions.

However, Sheeran's involvement with Ipswich Town goes beyond just being a shareholder. He's also been a front-of-shirt sponsor for the last four years, and his love for the club knows no bounds. But does that mean he deserves a squad number?

It seems not everyone agrees. Many fans took to social media to express their outrage, calling it "woke nonsense" and accusing the club of "pandering" to Sheeran's fame. One fan even went as far as to say: "Ed Sheeran? Utter woke garbage."

But it's not just this season that Ipswich Town has given Sheeran a squad number. In fact, it's become an annual tradition, with the club giving him the number 17 every year since his involvement began. So, why do they keep doing it?

According to sources close to the club, it all started as a joke four years ago when Sheeran first joined the club. At the time, he thought they were joking and didn't take it seriously. But now, it seems it's become a bit of a running gag.

However, not everyone is amused. Some fans think it's gone too far and that it's time to stop giving Sheeran special treatment. One fan even said: "Can you please stop this endless pandering to Ed Sheeran... Yes, he has sponsored us and is now a shareholder, but this is just getting pathetic now... Makes us a laughing stock!"

But what do the fans who support this tradition have to say? Well, one fan responded with: "About time you gave that Sheeran a game." It seems not everyone is against giving Sheeran a squad number.

As for Sheeran himself, he's taken it all in stride. Speaking on Instagram when the news broke, he said: "Really excited to announce that I have bought a small percentage of my hometown football club... It's any football fan's dream to be an owner of the club they support, and I feel so grateful for this opportunity."

Sheeran's love for Ipswich Town knows no bounds. He's been a fan since he was three years old and has always felt a strong connection to the club. But does that mean he deserves special treatment?

It seems not everyone agrees. As one fan pointed out: "He's got a minority stake in the club, so let him have some influence on the team." But others think it's going too far.

So, what do you think? Is giving Ed Sheeran a squad number a clever marketing ploy or a bit of a joke gone too far? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

The Ipswich Town vs Birmingham City match is just around the corner, and fans are eager to see how the Tractor Boys will fare. But with this latest controversy brewing, it's anyone's guess what will happen next.

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