Manchester United Co-Owners Anti-Immigrant Comments Spark Outrage in UK

Manchester United Co-Owner Faces Backlash Over Comments on Immigration

Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe has sparked controversy with comments made in an interview with Sky News, where he stated that the UK had been “colonised by immigrants”. The billionaire’s remarks have been widely condemned by politicians, campaigners, and fan groups.

Ratcliffe suggested that “huge levels of immigration” had damaged the economy, citing concerns over benefits and immigration. In response, Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for Ratcliffe to apologise for his comments, describing them as “offensive and wrong”.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has also weighed in, urging Ratcliffe to withdraw his “inaccurate, insulting, inflammatory” depiction of immigrants. Burnham pointed out that many people who have moved to the UK from abroad have made significant contributions to local life.

Justice Minister Jake Richards described Ratcliffe’s comments as “absurd”, highlighting the billionaire’s decision to move to Monaco to avoid paying £4 billion in taxes. Richards questioned whether Ratcliffe is a suitable person to comment on immigration issues.

The Manchester United Muslim Supporters Club has expressed outrage over Ratcliffe’s use of the word “colonised”, which they say echoes far-right narratives that frame migrants as invaders and demographic threats. The club pointed out that such rhetoric has real-world consequences, including a recent rise in race-motivated hostility.

Other fan clubs have also condemned Ratcliffe’s comments, with the Rainbow Devils club expressing fears that his words could cause harm to minority communities. The Manchester United Supporters’ Trust has called on the club’s leadership to make inclusion easier, not harder.

Ratcliffe’s comments have added fuel to ongoing protests against the club’s ownership, which have centered around soaring ticket prices and concerns over the billionaire’s influence on the team.

Source: Al Jazeera