Sir Jim Ratcliffe, billionaire businessman and minority co-owner of Manchester United, has issued an apology after drawing sharp criticism for comments he made about immigration during a recent television interview.
Ratcliffe spoke on Wednesday at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp and in a subsequent interview with Sky News suggested that the United Kingdom had been “colonised” by immigrants and linked rising immigration and high levels of benefit claims to economic pressures.
His choice of words sparked swift backlash from political leaders, civic figures and football fans alike.
In a statement released on Thursday, Ratcliffe said he was sorry that his “choice of language” had offended people in both the UK and Europe. He underscored that his intention was to spark discussion about the need for managed immigration alongside investment in skills, jobs and industry, rather than to denigrate migrants themselves.
However, critics were quick to condemn his remarks. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described them as “offensive and wrong” and urged an apology, while Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said the comments contradicted the city’s tradition of tolerance and inclusivity. Supporters’ groups, including some representing Manchester United fans, also criticised the co-owner, asserting that such language undermines the club’s values and the diverse nature of its community.
In defending the need for ongoing debate, Ratcliffe maintained that issues around immigration should be discussed openly, but acknowledged that the way he expressed his views had caused concern.
He reiterated that discussions about immigration should be paired with policies that support economic growth and shared prosperity.
The incident has drawn broader attention in both the political and football worlds, with the Football Association (FA) reportedly considering whether his comments could be treated as bringing the sport into disrepute under its regulations.
- BBC