U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has labeled Jim Ratcliffe’s comments about the country being “colonized” by immigrants as “offensive and wrong,” urging the Manchester United co-owner to offer an apology.
Ratcliffe faced backlash on Wednesday following his interview with Sky News, where the 73-year-old expressed concerns over the effects of “huge levels of immigrants” entering the nation.
His statements prompted criticism from Starmer and sparked significant outrage among various United supporter groups.
The Prime Minister wrote on X: “Offensive and wrong. Britain is a proud, tolerant, and diverse country. Jim Ratcliffe should apologize.”
Earlier that day, Ratcliffe stated on Sky News: “You can’t have an economy with 9 million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in.
“I mean, the UK has been colonized. It’s costing too much money. … The UK has been colonised by immigrants, really, hasn’t it?”
The Manchester United Muslim Supporters Club (MUMSC) promptly condemned the interview for using “language frequently associated with far-right narratives.”
A statement from MUMSC said: “Manchester United is a global club founded on diversity — encompassing players, staff, and supporters from all backgrounds, faiths, and ethnicities.
“The strength of our club, and of our nation, lies in that diversity. …
“We stand in solidarity with all communities that reject racism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and hatred in any form, calling for leadership that fosters unity, not division.”
The Manchester United Supporters Trust remarked: “Comments from the club’s senior leadership should facilitate inclusion, not create barriers.”
The anti-discrimination organization Kick It Out stated that there is “no place” for Ratcliffe’s views in English football.
“Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s comments are disgraceful and deeply divisive at a time when football contributes significantly to community cohesion,” the statement read.
“… This kind of language and leadership is unacceptable in English football, and we believe the majority of fans will share this sentiment.”
