Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has apologized for claiming Britain is “colonised” by immigrants after his remarks sparked widespread condemnation from politicians and football organizations.
The billionaire businessman issued a statement saying: “I am sorry that my choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe.” He added: “It is important to raise the issue of controlled and well-managed immigration that supports economic growth.”
Sir Jim explained the controversial comments were made whilst answering questions about UK policy at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp. “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,” he stated.
The Manchester United owner clarified his intended message was about government policy rather than immigrants themselves. “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 said, adding: “It is critical that we maintain an open debate on the challenges facing the UK.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had called on Sir Jim to apologize following the remarks, which were met with major backlash from across the political spectrum and sporting world.
Football anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out condemned the original comments as “disgraceful and deeply divisive at a time when football does so much to bring communities together.” The organization stated: “This type of language and leadership has no place in English football and we believe most fans will feel the same.”
Kick It Out reminded Sir Jim that “Manchester United has a diverse fan base and plays in a city whose cultural history has been enriched by immigrants,” alongside noting the remarks contained “inaccurate figures.”
Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride criticized the “colonised” terminology whilst acknowledging public concerns about migration. “I wouldn’t use that term colonised. I think it’s pejorative and suggests there’s some kind of huge negativity around the motivations of those people that come here. I don’t think that’s the case across the piece,” he stated.
However, Stride added: “But he is referencing something that is of great concern to millions of people up and down the country, that migration has been too high for too long.”
The apology did not satisfy all critics, though Sir Jim received support from former Prime Minister Liz Truss and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. Truss said: “Let’s see him and fellow business leaders step up and help fix the country. We need their skills. In particular they need to replace the senior bureaucrats who have failed.”
Farage responded to the Prime Minister’s call for an apology by stating: “Britain has undergone unprecedented mass immigration that has changed the character of many areas in our country. Labour may try to ignore that but Reform won’t.”
Britannia Daily understands the Football Association will examine whether Sir Jim’s initial comments “brought the game into disrepute” and breached regulations, despite the apology. The governing body has not provided a timeline for completing its examination or indicated potential sanctions if violations are found.
Manchester United has not issued a separate statement regarding the controversy involving its co-owner. The FA’s investigation will proceed regardless of the apology as officials determine whether football governance regulations regarding conduct were violated.
