Manchester United Responds to Co-Owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Controversial Comments
Manchester United said Thursday that the club takes pride in being “inclusive and welcoming” following co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s claim that the UK has been “colonized by immigrants.” This statement comes after Ratcliffe’s remarks in a Sky News interview on Wednesday, which were heavily criticized by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham.
Ratcliffe said he was sorry if he had “offended some people” for his remarks, which sparked widespread controversy. Sources have told ESPN that the English Football Association (FA) is aware of Ratcliffe’s comments and is looking into the matter. The FA’s investigation may focus on FA Rule E3.1, which covers general activity and states that a participant shall at all times act in the best interests of the game and shall not act in any manner which is improper or brings the game into disrepute.
Manchester United’s Statement
“Manchester United prides itself on being an inclusive and welcoming club,” the Premier League club said in a statement. “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. Since launching All Red All Equal in 2016, we have embedded equality, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. We remain deeply committed to the principles and spirit of that campaign. They are reflected in our policies but also in our culture and are reinforced by our holding of the Premier League’s Advanced Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Standard.”
Ratcliffe, in his own statement, said: “I am sorry that my choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe and caused concern, but it is important to raise the issue of controlled and well-managed immigration that supports economic growth. 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.”
Criticism and Response
The Manchester United Muslim Supporters’ Club (MUMSC) issued a dissatisfied response to Ratcliffe’s apology, stating that they do not believe it sufficiently addresses the seriousness of what was said. “The term ‘colonised’ was repeated and used to describe modern Britain. That language carries significant weight and cannot be dismissed as simply poor phrasing,” the group said.
Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, also criticized Ratcliffe’s comments, saying that they go against everything for which Manchester has traditionally stood. “Calling for curbs on levels of immigration is one thing, portraying those who come here as a hostile invading force is quite another. It is inaccurate, insulting and inflammatory and should be withdrawn,” Burnham said.
Burnham also appeared to criticize the Glazer family, who hold a majority stake in United, saying that if any criticism is needed, it should be directed towards those who have offered little contribution to the life of the city and have instead spent years siphoning wealth out of one of its proudest institutions.
The controversy surrounding Ratcliffe’s comments highlights the importance of responsible and respectful language, particularly from public figures and those in positions of power. As the FA’s investigation continues, it remains to be seen what consequences Ratcliffe may face for his remarks.
ESPN’s Rob Dawson and PA contributed to this report.
