Sir Jim Ratcliffe Issues Apology Over Controversial Immigration Remarks
Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has expressed regret after stating the United Kingdom has been "colonised by immigrants," with his comments now under formal examination by the Football Association. The billionaire businessman issued a statement on Thursday acknowledging his language had "offended some people" while maintaining the importance of discussing controlled immigration policies.
Political and Football Community Backlash
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham have both strongly criticised Ratcliffe's remarks, made during a Sky News interview at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp. Burnham, who collaborates with Ratcliffe on Old Trafford regeneration projects, described the comments as "inaccurate, insulting and inflammatory" and demanded their withdrawal.
The Press Association understands the Football Association will scrutinise whether Ratcliffe's statements breached regulations concerning bringing the game into disrepute. As a club co-owner, Ratcliffe qualifies as a "participant" subject to FA rules, particularly Rule E3.1 covering improper behaviour and Rule E3.2 regarding aggravated breaches involving references to ethnicity, nationality, or race.
Ratcliffe's Defence and Clarification
In his Thursday statement, Ratcliffe clarified: "My comments were made while answering questions about UK policy at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, where I was discussing the importance of economic growth, jobs, skills and manufacturing in the UK." He emphasised his intention was to highlight the need for governments to "manage migration alongside investment in skills, industry and jobs" to ensure shared prosperity.
The businessman maintained that "it is critical that we maintain an open debate on the challenges facing the UK," while apologising for any offence caused by his choice of language. During the original Sky News interview, Ratcliffe had claimed: "You can't have an economy with nine million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in. I mean, the UK is being colonised. It's costing too much money. The UK has been colonised by immigrants."
Football Community Response
Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out condemned Ratcliffe's remarks as "disgraceful and deeply divisive," noting in a statement: "It's worth reminding him that Manchester United has a diverse fan base and plays in a city whose cultural history has been enriched by immigrants. This type of language and leadership has no place in English football."
Mayor Burnham expanded on Manchester's historical context, stating: "These comments go against everything for which Manchester has traditionally stood: a place where people of all races and faiths have pulled together over centuries to build our city and our institutions, including Manchester United FC." He highlighted contributions from international footballers, NHS workers, and other immigrants to Greater Manchester's cultural and economic life.
Potential FA Investigation and Consequences
Should the FA proceed with a formal investigation, the focus would likely centre on whether Ratcliffe's comments violated regulations concerning improper conduct and bringing football into disrepute. The aggravated breach provision under Rule E3.2 could apply if the FA determines the remarks contained implied references to nationality or ethnic origin.
Burnham also appeared to contrast Ratcliffe's approach with that of the Glazer family, United's majority stakeholders, suggesting criticism should instead be directed toward "those who have offered little contribution to our life here and have instead spent years siphoning wealth out of one of our proudest institutions."
The controversy emerges as Ratcliffe continues involvement in Manchester United's operations and the Old Trafford area regeneration project, raising questions about how his public statements might affect club relations with diverse communities and stakeholders.
