Manchester United Owner Faces Backlash Over Controversial Immigration Remarks
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the billionaire co-owner of Manchester United Football Club, has issued an apology following widespread condemnation of his claim that the United Kingdom has been "colonised by immigrants." The 73-year-old industrialist made the controversial statement during an interview at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, sparking immediate backlash from anti-racism groups, political leaders, and football supporters.
Political and Public Condemnation
Prime Minister Keir Starmer's spokesperson confirmed that the Labour leader had demanded an apology from Ratcliffe, stating: "The Prime Minister was clear that those comments were offensive and wrong, and that's why he called on Mr Ratcliffe to apologise." The spokesperson emphasised that while there should be serious debate about immigration policy, Ratcliffe's language was "inflammatory and divisive."
Justice Minister Jake Richards added to the criticism, noting the hypocrisy of Ratcliffe's position given his tax arrangements: "There's also something that I find quite offensive, that this man who moved to Monaco to save £4 billion in tax is now lecturing us about immigration."
Anti-Racism Groups Demand Proper Apology
Ged Grebby, chief executive of Show Racism the Red Card, argued that Ratcliffe's apology fell short of addressing the core issue. "I think he has taken the battering he deserved," Grebby stated. "He has said that he is sorry if he offended some people and that is not really an apology and also does not address the main issue - that he said that the UK had been colonised by immigration."
Grebby emphasised that the language used by Ratcliffe echoed far-right narratives that frame migrants as invaders, adding: "It implies a takeover of the UK in language used by the Far Right. It is that he needs to apologise for."
Football Community Reacts Strongly
The football anti-discrimination organisation Kick It Out described Ratcliffe's comments as "disgraceful and deeply divisive," while the Manchester United Supporters Trust issued a statement emphasising that "no fan should feel excluded from following or supporting the club because of their race, religion, nationality or background."
Asif Mahmud, co-founder of the Manchester United Muslim Supporters Club, expressed particular concern about the impact on diverse fan communities: "We are very upset. There was quite a bit of shock in our membership base. They are not the comments you expect from the co-owner of Man Utd." Mahmud noted that while legitimate debates about immigration exist, using language like "colonisation" "just stokes the flames" and echoes far-right rhetoric.
Local Community Criticism
Residents of Dunkerley Avenue in Failsworth, Greater Manchester - where Ratcliffe spent his childhood years - voiced their disappointment with his remarks. Rob Cosgrove, 62, who lives near Ratcliffe's former home, stated: "I disagree with him. Immigrants make a country. You could argue countries like America have been built on immigrants."
Cosgrove added that Ratcliffe appeared to be "betraying his roots" and questioned how someone who grew up in Failsworth could hold such views, particularly while living in Monaco for tax purposes. "It's inflammatory and it's certainly not doing any good at the moment," he remarked.
Ratcliffe's Clarification and Apology
In his apology statement, Ratcliffe explained: "I am sorry that my choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe and caused concern but it is important to raise the issue of controlled and well-managed immigration that supports economic growth." He claimed his intention was to stress that governments must manage migration alongside investment in skills, industry, and jobs to ensure long-term prosperity is shared by everyone.
The billionaire, who ranks as Britain's seventh wealthiest person with a £17 billion fortune according to the Sunday Times Rich List, had originally stated: "You can't have an economy with nine million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in. The UK has been colonised. It's costing too much money. The UK has been colonised by immigrants, really, hasn't it?"
Manchester Mayor's Strong Response
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, delivered a scathing critique of Ratcliffe's comments, branding them "inaccurate, insulting, inflammatory" and contrary to the city's values. "Calling for curbs on levels of immigration is one thing; portraying those who come here as a hostile invading force is quite another," Burnham stated.
The mayor highlighted the contributions of immigrants to Manchester's football clubs, NHS, and essential services, suggesting criticism should instead be directed at those "who have offered little contribution to our life here and have instead spent years siphoning wealth out of one of our proudest institutions."
Football Association Scrutiny
The Football Association is understood to be examining whether Ratcliffe's comments have brought the game into disrepute, adding potential professional consequences to the widespread public and political condemnation. This scrutiny comes amid growing concerns about how senior football figures' public statements affect the sport's inclusivity and reputation.
