Manchester United has publicly reaffirmed its commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion following controversial comments made by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe about immigration. In a statement that did not name Ratcliffe but clearly referenced his remarks, the club said: “Manchester United prides itself on being an inclusive and welcoming club. Our diverse group of players, staff and global community of supporters reflect the history and heritage of Manchester; a city that anyone can call home.”
Ratcliffe, who bought a minority stake in United in 2023, told Sky News that “the UK is being colonised by immigrants, really, isn’t it?” and cited incorrect population figures. He later issued a heavily qualified apology, saying he was sorry that his “choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe.”
The Football Association is investigating whether Ratcliffe’s words brought the game into disrepute. Anti-discrimination body Kick It Out described his comments as “disgraceful and deeply divisive”, adding that “this type of language and leadership has no place in English football”.
Other groups, including Show Racism the Red Card and the Manchester United Muslim Supporters Club, also condemned the remarks. The supporters’ group 1958 criticised Ratcliffe for commenting on UK issues while living in Monaco to avoid tax.
