Man United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe escapes FA sanction regarding immigration remarks
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of Manchester United, will not face charges from the Football Association following his remarks that the United Kingdom has been “colonised by immigrants.”
His statements regarding immigration during a Sky News interview last week received widespread backlash, including criticism from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.
The FA indicated last week that it was reviewing the comments, but the Press Association reports that Ratcliffe has merely received a reminder of his obligations as a football participant when engaging with the media, and no further measures will be taken against him.
The day after the Sky News interview, Ratcliffe released a statement expressing regret if his remarks had “offended some people.”
Michael Carrick, the interim head coach of United, was questioned about Ratcliffe’s comments on Friday, marking his first media appearance since the remarks were made.
“Sir Jim has made a statement, and then the club’s made a statement on the back of it so for me to add to that is not my place,” he stated.
“What I can say is, as I’ve been around this club many, many years, we always make a huge impact globally.
“We’re really proud of the environment and the culture that we’ve got at the club, and equality and diversity and respect for each other is something that we look to carry through every day.
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“I’ve travelled the world and I know what this club means to an awful lot of people, so I’m fully aware of the responsibility, and we’re trying to carry that out every single day.
“I’m proud of what the club stands for and has done for so long.”
Carrick emphasized that the comments had not impacted or diminished the morale at United, with the team achieving four victories and one draw in the five matches since his appointment as interim head coach after Ruben Amorim’s departure in January.
“We have got a really strong, strong group, whether that’s the players in and around the dressing room and the staff. We’re in constant communication. We’re here to support each other and help each other in whatever way we can,” Carrick remarked.
“The boys have been in really good spirits this week in terms of training. We’ve had some time away, so that was important for a refresh and a bit of a deep breath.”
United released their own statement the day after Ratcliffe’s Sky News interview, emphasizing their pride in being an “inclusive and welcoming” club.
United will take on Everton in the Premier League on Monday, marking their first match since the draw with West Ham on February 10.
