The FA launches an investigation into Ipswich’s Mark Ashton after a chant sang about former Norwich shareholder Delia Smith.
The chief executive had been celebrating his club’s promotion back to the Premier League, with footage since emerging of him, alongside captain Dara O’Shea, singing that Delia Smith is a “f***ing a******e.”
Norwich Evening News note that the chant had previously been sung by Ipswich supporters for several years.
As per Ipswich Star, it was filmed at the Isaacs pub on the docks following the win against Queens Park Rangers.
But now a source at the Football Association has confirmed that it was looking into footage to see if Mark Ashton had brought the game into disrepute.
@slc_x_ Mark and Dara celebrating with the fans 🔵⚪️ #itfc #ipswichtown #daraoshea #markashton #celebrations ♬ original sound – Staciee
Stay classy Mark Ashton #ncfc #itfc pic.twitter.com/vNPtfqyueP
— Norfolk Non League Scran (@NorfolkScran) May 3, 2026
Love a rivalry and a bit of banter but think the Ipswich CEO really needs to have a look at himself congrats on promotion by the way
— Iwan Roberts (@iwanwroberts) May 4, 2026
According to FA rules: “A participant shall at all times act in the best interests of the game and shall not act in any manner which is improper or brings the game into disrepute or use any one, or a combination of, violent conduct, serious foul play, threatening, abusive, indecent or insulting words or behaviour.”
It caught the attention of ex-Norwich player Iwan Roberts (@iwanwroberts), who tweeted: “Love a rivalry and a bit of banter but think the Ipswich CEO really needs to have a look at himself congrats on promotion by the way.”
He added: “I love working at PR staff are so welcoming facilities are spot on and it’s 40mins on the train for me 😉. just think he’s let himself and the club down she’s old enough to be hi nan. well done on promotion by the way well deserved 👍”
“the CEO singing what he did about Delia is a disgrace”
“It’s not a good look imo Jamie she’s an 84yr old woman, singing or dancing along isn’t good and I’d say exactly the same if it was the other way around 👍”
“Just think it tarnishes what was a great few days and well deserved for you, only my opinion mind”
“It’s not a dig at your club or the supporters just one man as you say got carried away and let himself down”
“just think he’s let the club down badly”
Media outlets note that potential punishments include suspensions, fines and compulsory FA education courses.
They add that ‘when two or more members of the same club are found to have breached the same rule within 12 months, the club itself can face sanctions, including points deductions.’
Another video, taken from a TownTV live stream, went viral during the celebrations, Marcelino Nunez, who signed for Ipswich from Norwich City at the beginning of the season, was seen on the mic, shouting: “F**k off, Norwich, come on Tractor Boys.”
Nunez is a shithouse🤣🤣🤣 #itfc pic.twitter.com/rs6JeHrugT
— 🚜(P) (@Coyb_08) May 4, 2026
Social media users reacted as the FA launches an investigation into Ipswich’s Mark Ashton after singing a chant about Delia Smith…
@Mark_G_Scott: Agreed. League tables don’t lie. Town deserve their promotion. No question. However his behaviour is an embarrassment to the club. Imagine behaving like that at a celebration. Classless.
@Malbs11: Can’t buy class Iwan. Delia had way more derby victories and promotions than him
@aaronjohn74: If the CEO is going to be that unprofessional, then I would say that he is not a fit and proper person to be in charge of a football club. He is a role model for younger fans and he sets the tone, so it’s no wonder that players like Nunez behave like they do.
@mikecolman75: Iwan is bang on, it was bang out of order. And pathetic. When we won the league (twice) , I can’t remember her starting a chant about Ipswich’s owner. Probably because she’d never heard of them. You can buy off refs, but you can’t buy class.
@dale_63: Banter is a very open book but unfortunately he’s gone past that yes we enjoyed the promotion party but in my opinion, he overstepped the mark, he has in the past represented this Club well but not on this occasion 👍🏼
@Farmingfox: It’s not a great look is it? He doesn’t represent us all.
@MickLum: I’m hating that I have to agree with something you said. Much as he likes and wants to think of himself as a fan just like us, there are times when the position he occupies demands a higher standard of behaviour, along with a modicum of respect for his opposite numbers.
@nataliedawn_x: This is so weird to me. Like why are they chanting about Delia being an a******e when they’ve just been promoted & she no longer owns the club. Bunch of absolute weirdos
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