Express & Star

Corbyn's Molineux publicity stunt prompts fury from Wolves fans

Jeremy Corbyn has been blasted by Wolves fans over a "diabolical" publicity stunt which saw the Labour leader hold a campaign rally outside Molineux.

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Jeremy Corbyn's appearance outside Molineux has infuriated some Wolves fans

Arsenal fan Mr Corbyn donned a Wolves scarf as he addressed Labour activists during the pre-planned rally by the Billy Wright statue outside the famous old ground.

Standing next to Labour parliamentary candidate Eleanor Smith, Mr Corbyn – who recently shouted up Aston Villa during a campaign meeting in Dudley – said it was "great to be alongside Billy Wright".

But his appearance has provoked a furious response from many Wolves fans, with Mr Corbyn and Ms Smith accused of using the name of a club hero in a bid to further their political ambitions.

Hundreds of E&S readers have aired their views on Facebook and the newspaper's website.

Olly the cat said: "The sight of Jeremy Corbyn in a Wolves scarf sickens me to the stomach."

IamWoeverhampton said: "Not a great idea by those involved. But then again, atypical of how politicians like to exploit opportunities not directly connected to them."

Black Country born said: "Does this mean our ground is now contaminated?"

Jeremy Corbyn is a massive Arsenal fan

Mountain Wolf wrote: "I really don't think that Molineux – or any other football ground – should associate itself with any political party," adding that the move was "a diabolical and cold calculation" on the part of the politicians. diabolical

Fatty asked: "Does he even know who Billy Wright was? I doubt if Smith does either."

Jake said: "Corbyn in a Wolves scarf makes my blood boil." Alan Brindley-Taylor said: "I’ve never been more offended to be a Wolves fan!"

CuppaTay said: "Outrageous these two idiots think it okay to stand in front of a statue of man that had more honesty and integrity in his small toe than these two will ever have.

"Outside Locomotiv Moscow FC ground would have been more apt."

Woody drew on Labour's budget-busting spending plans when he said: "FREE SEASON TICKETS FOR ALL!!!...FREE REPLICA KIT!!!...FREE BEERS ON A MATCHDAY!!!"

Karen Cater said: "We don’t want you here,", while Craig Stubbs said: "The greatest part was when you left Corbyn."

John Davies wrote: "I hope you have disinfected the area, I don't want to catch anything come Thursday night."

Mr Corbyn's visit did receive a small amount of support. Andrew Chance said: "Glad he’s come to the ground, good on him.

"The only ones who are angry are in favour of Brexit which I find ironic as if it hadn’t have been for players from abroad we wouldn’t be sitting at 6th in the league. Let that sink in."

During a rally in Dudley last month, Mr Corbyn criticised league tables, saying they were alright for football teams but not for schools. "I'm an Arsenal supporter, we won the league..." he said, before he was drowned out by jeering.

"Ok, let's take Villa as the example he said," to more groans.

Ms Smith is defending her majority of 2,185 in tomorrow's election. She is up against Conservative Stuart Anderson, Leo Grandison of the Brexit Party and Lib Dem Bart Ricketts.