Gary Lineker has become the latest prominent figure to publicly criticise Sir Jim Ratcliffe following the billionaire's controversial interview with Sky News. The former England footballer and broadcaster took aim at Ratcliffe's remarks, which described Britain as being 'colonised' by immigrants, during an episode of The Rest is Football Podcast.
Ratcliffe's Controversial Statements
During his Wednesday interview, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the co-owner of Manchester United, claimed that immigrants were draining resources from the state and made inaccurate statements about the UK population. He suggested the country had grown from 58 million to 70 million people, whereas official Office for National Statistics data shows the population was approximately 67 million in mid-2020 and reached 70 million in mid-2024.
Political and Public Backlash
The 73-year-old businessman has since offered a partial apology after facing significant criticism from multiple quarters. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for Ratcliffe to 'put his hands up' regarding the remarks, while Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and various Manchester United supporters' groups have also expressed their disapproval of the billionaire's comments.
Lineker's Detailed Critique
Speaking on his podcast, Lineker highlighted what he described as profound hypocrisy in Ratcliffe's position. "The hypocrisy I find difficult," Lineker stated. "Obviously, Keir Starmer has called for him to make an apology; whether he will or not remains to be seen."
The broadcaster pointed out that Ratcliffe himself lives as an economic migrant in Monaco while criticising immigration to Britain. "You can have a gripe all you like, but at least be here, pay taxes, and contribute to our society," Lineker argued.
Questioning Contributions and Consistency
Lineker contrasted Ratcliffe's tax arrangements with the contributions of immigrants to British society. "I would say a lot of these migrants who come in contribute enormously and facts show you that in terms of revenue and paid tax," he explained. "Whereas Jim out there, in Monaco, is doing everything he can to avoid paying tax, I would suggest."
The broadcaster also questioned the racial dimension of Ratcliffe's comments, noting that Manchester United employs numerous players from overseas. "When he's talking about colonised with immigrants, is it OK that you're a white person living abroad, not a brown or black person?" Lineker asked. "I don't know, only he can answer that question."
Football Community Reaction
Lineker revealed that many of his Manchester United-supporting friends have expressed similar concerns about their club owner's statements. "Lots and lots of my friends who support United have come on and said similar things to what I'm saying now, they're very disappointed," he shared.
The broadcaster specifically mentioned the story of Amad Diallo, the Ivorian footballer who plays for Manchester United, as an example of positive immigration within football. "Look at the story of how Amad has ended up here," Lineker noted. "So I find it deeply concerning that an owner of a football club can say that sort of thing."
Broader Implications
The controversy has raised questions about the responsibilities of high-profile football club owners and their public statements on sensitive social issues. Ratcliffe's comments have sparked wider debate about immigration, contribution to society, and the role of wealthy individuals in public discourse.
Manchester United has already released a statement distancing the club from Ratcliffe's immigration remarks, and there are suggestions the billionaire could face Football Association action over his controversial statements.
