Charlton cut ties with sponsor after Tommy Robinson re-posts
- Charlton Athletic has severed ties with a major sponsor due to his apparent support for Tommy Robinson on social media.
- Darren New, a lifelong fan and sponsor, supported Robinson, who is known for his far-right activism.
- The club had previously praised New as part of the 'Charlton family,' highlighting the impact of his statements.
Darren New, a dedicated supporter of Charlton Athletic and founder of the sponsorship company We Are Brandnew, has found himself at the center of controversy following his recent social media activity. New, who has been involved with the club and its community trust for years, posted statements on his X account that appeared to endorse far-right views associated with Tommy Robinson, the founder of the English Defence League. This prompted immediate backlash from the club's officials. In a series of posts, New shared videos featuring Robinson, who blamed recent violence on UK immigration policies and alleged police orchestration. His comments, which he claimed were not controversial, sparked discussions within Charlton Athletic, leading to a swift decision to sever ties with New and his company. A spokesperson for the club confirmed that they would no longer accept support from New, emphasizing that any partnership with We Are Brandnew had been terminated. In light of the situation, New deleted his X account, expressing his respect for Charlton and the community trust's work. He acknowledged the positive impact of their initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable individuals. Previously, We Are Brandnew had a prominent role as the sleeve sponsor for Charlton's home shirts, and New had been featured positively on the club's website. The decision to cut ties reflects Charlton Athletic's commitment to maintaining its values and community standards, especially after being recognized as the EFL Community Club of the Year.