England Rugby Captain Maro Itoje Slams Sir Jim Ratcliffe's 'Ridiculous' Immigration Remarks
England rugby union captain Maro Itoje has publicly condemned Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe's controversial comments on immigration, describing the billionaire's remarks as 'ridiculous' and 'wrong'. The criticism comes after Ratcliffe sparked a major row by claiming the United Kingdom has been 'colonised by immigrants'.
Controversial Comments Spark Widespread Backlash
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the billionaire co-owner of Manchester United, ignited controversy earlier this week during an interview with Sky News when he stated: 'I mean, the UK has been colonised. It's costing too much money. The UK has been colonised by immigrants, really, hasn't it?' The comments drew immediate criticism from political leaders including Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who labelled them 'offensive and wrong'.
Although Ratcliffe has since apologised for 'offending some people' with his language, he maintained that 'it is important to raise the issue of controlled and well-managed immigration that supports economic growth.' However, this partial retraction did little to quell the growing backlash from prominent figures across British society.
Itoje's Forceful Rejection of Ratcliffe's Claims
On the eve of England's Calcutta Cup showdown against Scotland at Murrayfield, Maro Itoje was asked for his response to Ratcliffe's inflammatory remarks. The England captain, who was born in London to Nigerian parents, did not mince words in his assessment.
'Obviously I don't condone the language he used,' Itoje stated. 'I was born in this country of Nigerian descent and I think it's ridiculous to say Great Britain has been colonised by immigrants because that is so far from the truth. I think it's wrong.'
Itoje's forceful rejection of Ratcliffe's characterization highlights the deep offense caused by the billionaire's choice of terminology, particularly to individuals with immigrant backgrounds who consider themselves proud British citizens.
Manchester United Distances Itself from Owner's Remarks
In response to the growing controversy, Manchester United issued a comprehensive statement distancing the football club from its co-owner's comments. The club emphasized its commitment to diversity and inclusion, stating: '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.'
The statement detailed the club's ongoing initiatives promoting equality, including:
- Participation in events marking mental health awareness
- LGBTQ+ inclusion campaigns
- Anti-racism initiatives under the 'No Room for Racism' banner
- Programmes addressing violence against women and girls
- Efforts to combat homophobic chanting at matches
The club further highlighted its work with various supporters' associations and the Manchester United Foundation's community outreach programmes, reinforcing its commitment to representing 'the unity and resilience of all the communities we are so privileged to represent.'
Broader Context of the Immigration Debate
This controversy emerges against a backdrop of ongoing national discussions about immigration policy and integration in the United Kingdom. Ratcliffe's comments have been interpreted by critics as contributing to divisive rhetoric around immigration, while his supporters argue he was raising legitimate concerns about immigration management.
The incident has drawn attention to the responsibilities of high-profile business leaders when commenting on sensitive social issues, particularly those with ownership stakes in culturally significant institutions like Premier League football clubs.
As the debate continues, Itoje's intervention adds a significant voice from the sporting world to the conversation, emphasizing how inflammatory language about immigration affects individuals from diverse backgrounds who contribute significantly to British society and culture.
