Billionaire Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has provoked widespread condemnation after stating that ‘the UK is being colonised by immigrants’. The remark, which he later apologised for, was swiftly denounced by politicians, club supporters, and anti-racism groups, prompting an investigation by the Football Association.
Lifelong Manchester United fan and doctoral researcher Simon Bird described Ratcliffe’s comments as ‘repugnant’ and argued they have sullied the club’s reputation. Bird said the remarks constitute a failure of moral leadership and a betrayal of Manchester United’s role in the anti-racism campaign Kick It Out, making Ratcliffe ‘wholly unfit’ to be co-owner of a club with a global fanbase.
Dr Arun Midha of Swansea criticised the ‘colonial mindset’ behind Ratcliffe’s language, noting that such rhetoric risks worsening staff shortages in essential services like the NHS, which relies heavily on overseas workers. He called for a more fact-based and fair debate on immigration.
Nazek Ramadan, director of Migrant Voice, warned that Ratcliffe’s words are ‘offensive, harmful, and stir further hate’. She highlighted that the Premier League’s diversity, including migrant players, reflects Britain’s strength and that immigration enhances rather than undermines British culture.
The FA has confirmed it is investigating the comments, while Manchester United issued a statement implicitly rebuking Ratcliffe. The club previously supported the late Lord Herman Ouseley’s Kick It Out campaign, with former manager Alex Ferguson also backing anti-racism efforts.
