Manchester United Owner Jim Ratcliffe Apologizes for Immigration Remarks
Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been forced to apologize after making controversial comments about immigration during a recent interview. The billionaire businessman claimed that the United Kingdom has been "colonised by immigrants," sparking widespread criticism and prompting the Football Association to review his statements.
Club Emphasizes Inclusive Values
In response to the controversy, Manchester United issued a statement on Thursday afternoon reaffirming their commitment to being an "inclusive and welcoming club." The Premier League giants highlighted their diverse community of players, staff, and supporters, noting that this reflects the heritage of Manchester as a city that welcomes everyone.
The club pointed to their All Red All Equal campaign launched in 2016, which has embedded equality, diversity, and inclusion into all aspects of their operations. Manchester United currently holds the Premier League's Advanced Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Standard, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to these principles.
Ratcliffe's Apology and Explanation
Earlier on Thursday, Ratcliffe expressed regret for his choice of language, stating: "I am sorry that my choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe and caused concern." The Ineos founder explained that his comments were made during an interview at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, where he was discussing economic growth, jobs, skills, and manufacturing in the UK.
Ratcliffe attempted to clarify his position, saying: "My intention was to stress that governments must manage migration alongside investment in skills, industry and jobs so that long-term prosperity is shared by everyone." He emphasized the importance of maintaining an open debate about the challenges facing the United Kingdom.
Political and Football Community Reaction
The controversial remarks drew sharp criticism from prominent political figures, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham. Burnham, who is collaborating with Ratcliffe on the redevelopment of Old Trafford and the surrounding area, stated that the comments "go against everything for which Manchester has traditionally stood."
The Football Association is now examining Ratcliffe's statements to determine if they have damaged the reputation of the sport. According to sources, the FA will review whether the comments violated FA Rule E3.1, which governs general behavior. As a co-owner of Manchester United, Ratcliffe is considered a participant subject to FA regulations.
Football Community Response
Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out described Ratcliffe's remarks as "disgraceful and deeply divisive at a time when football does so much to bring communities together." The organization emphasized football's role in promoting unity and inclusion across diverse communities.
Manchester United highlighted their ongoing initiatives supporting various causes, including:
- Mental health awareness
- LGBTQ+ inclusion
- No Room for Racism campaign
- Addressing violence against women and girls
- Combating homophobic chanting
The club confirmed they will continue supporting these initiatives in the coming weeks and months, reinforcing their commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all.
Original Controversial Comments
During his Sky News interview on Wednesday, Ratcliffe made the inflammatory statement: "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."
These remarks have created significant controversy for the Manchester United owner, who only recently completed his investment in the football club. The situation continues to develop as the Football Association conducts its review and the football community responds to what many consider inappropriate comments from a prominent figure in the sport.
