Crookes Social Club has faced backlash after it controversially hired out a room to far-right political party Restore Britain.
The members-only meeting was held on 12 August, prompting Sheffield Communities Against Racism and Fascism (SCARF) to stage a protest outside the club in opposition to the decision.
Karl Wark, a spokesperson for SCARF, said: “We have a strict moral objection to Crookes Social Club hosting Restore Britain and allowing them to grow.
“We stand against everything Restore Britain stands for.”
After hosting Restore Britain, the club continued to face sustained criticism online, with some users even threatening to boycott the venue.
Maurice Champeau, General manager of Crookes Social Club, said in a statement on social media: “I wish to make it clear that this decision to allow this meeting rests with me and me alone.”
Mr Champeau also said: “We are an apolitical organisation and welcome people from all sections of the community and feel strongly that people’s right to free speech should always be upheld.”
Mr Champeau drew parallels between this dispute and earlier pressure from external groups over hosting fundraisers for Palestinian causes and collections for Ukrainian refugees, noting that he allowed both to proceed in the interest of free speech.
In response to this, Mr Wark said: “I actually find the commitment to free speech laudable and I think SCARF do. I just think he’s [ Mr Champeau] applied it completely wrong in this circumstance and he’s given himself a moral burden he didn’t need to have.
“There was no need for him to facilitate this organising meeting for a far-right racist party.”
Mr Champeau has said he is willing to meet with anyone who would like to discuss the matter further.
