Ratcliffe Comments Spark Backlash at Man United
Manchester United has publicly reaffirmed its commitment to equality and inclusion following widespread condemnation of controversial immigration remarks made by its co-owner, billionaire businessman Jim Ratcliffe.
Ratcliffe, who is based in Monaco, issued a qualified apology on Thursday after facing intense criticism for claiming that the United Kingdom was being “colonised” by immigrants during a television interview. His comments were widely condemned by politicians, football fans, trade unions, and anti-racism campaigners, who described the language as offensive, inaccurate, and reminiscent of far-right narratives.
Club Issues Implicit Rebuttal
Just hours after Ratcliffe’s apology, Manchester United released a statement emphasising that it is an “inclusive and welcoming” club. While the statement did not mention Ratcliffe by name, it was widely interpreted as a direct response to his remarks.
“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 club said, reaffirming its commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
The Football Association is reportedly assessing whether Ratcliffe’s comments could constitute bringing the game into disrepute, raising the possibility of disciplinary action.
Political and Public Condemnation
The controversy began after Ratcliffe cited outdated population figures during a Sky News interview, suggesting that mass immigration and welfare dependency were undermining the UK economy. Official data from the Office for National Statistics later contradicted his claims.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer quickly condemned the remarks as “offensive and wrong,” while senior government figures echoed the criticism. Chancellor Rachel Reeves described the comments as “disgusting,” and several ministers accused Ratcliffe of hypocrisy, pointing to his decision to relocate his tax domicile to Monaco.
Trade union leaders and football supporters were also outspoken, highlighting Ratcliffe’s past reliance on government financial support for his business interests despite his criticism of state spending.
Apology Falls Short for Critics
In his apology, Ratcliffe expressed regret for the language used but stopped short of retracting the sentiment behind his comments. He said it was important to discuss “controlled and well-managed immigration,” a response that failed to satisfy many critics.
Local leaders in Greater Manchester stressed that while debates on immigration policy are legitimate, framing migrants as a hostile force runs counter to the city’s values and history.
