Manchester United Muslim Supporters Voice Outrage Over Ratcliffe's Immigration Remarks
The co-founder of the Manchester United Muslim Supporters Club has issued a strong condemnation of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's recent comments about immigrants, stating they have made fans from migrant backgrounds feel unwelcome and marginalised at Old Trafford.
Inflammatory Comments Spark Fan Backlash
Ghulam Haydar, who established the Manchester United Muslim Supporters Club two years ago and maintains close connections with the club, expressed being "appalled" by Ratcliffe's statements during a Sky News interview. The 73-year-old businessman claimed the United Kingdom had been "colonised" by immigrants, remarks that Haydar described as "inflammatory and divisive."
"I just felt it was way off the mark," Haydar told the Manchester Evening News. "It was inflammatory, it was divisive and it was just totally uncalled for. It didn't reflect Manchester United being a global club with a global fan base, people from all different backgrounds who support the club, visit and attend matches."
Supporters Question Their Welcome at Old Trafford
Haydar revealed that Ratcliffe's comments have generated significant outrage and disappointment within the supporters' club and across various WhatsApp groups. Members of the Muslim supporters club now question their place at the stadium and fear potential backlash.
"You see comments like this and you hear comments like this and you think, actually who's he talking about? Is he referring to us? Are we not welcome?" Haydar questioned. "The members have really expressed how disappointed they are and some are outraged by it. They just feel unwelcome and marginalised now."
Real-World Consequences and Safety Concerns
The co-founder emphasized that such statements from high-profile individuals can have dangerous real-world consequences. "This is what he needs to realise, that there are real-life consequences for the Manchester United fan base because they might feel unwelcome, but also they might actually feel in danger," Haydar warned.
He pointed to statistics showing that inflammatory rhetoric from prominent figures often correlates with increased hate crimes against minority communities. "It might have been unintentional. I don't know, but he creates a target on the backs of people of colour who will be assumed as migrants," Haydar added.
Inaccurate Statistics Compound the Problem
During his interview, Ratcliffe made several questionable claims about immigration statistics, stating the UK population had grown from 58 million in 2020 to 70 million currently. However, Office for National Statistics data shows the population was approximately 67 million in mid-2020 and reached 70 million in mid-2024.
Haydar highlighted this factual inaccuracy, noting: "The irony of it all is that the statistics he used were incorrect and is therefore creating a construct and a narrative that's incorrect. Migrants play a significant role in our society. They make a net positive contribution through the taxes they pay, creating business opportunities with their entrepreneurial spirit, and fulfilling many different job roles that contribute to society."
Ratcliffe's Apology and Continued Defence
Ratcliffe has since issued an apology for his "choice of language" but maintained that discussing immigration policy remains important. In a statement, he said: "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."
The businessman explained his comments were made during discussions about UK policy at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, where he emphasized the importance of economic growth, jobs, skills and manufacturing.
Club Relations and Community Initiatives Affected
The controversy comes at a sensitive time for club-community relations. The Manchester United Muslim Supporters Club organised an Iftar during Ramadan with the club last year and discussions were underway for a similar event this season. Haydar's organisation has also contributed generously to the club's winter coats initiative.
Haydar stressed that Manchester United's diverse workforce and global fan base should be celebrated rather than undermined. "The workforce as well, when you attend a match, you see it's made up of people from all different backgrounds, of all different shades and persuasions, and it was just really surprising given how the club is," he concluded.
