Sir Jim Ratcliffe: Co-owner of Manchester United expresses regret over wording in immigration statements
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of Manchester United, has expressed regret if his comments about the United Kingdom being “colonised by immigrants” have “offended some people.”
His statements during a Sky News interview on Wednesday have faced significant backlash from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham. The Press Association has reported that the Football Association (FA) will also review the remarks to determine if they have brought the sport into disrepute.
In a statement released on Thursday, Ratcliffe said: “I apologize that my choice of words has upset some individuals in the UK and Europe and caused concern. However, it is essential to discuss the topic of controlled and well-managed immigration that fosters economic growth.”
“My remarks were made in response to inquiries about UK policy at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, where I was highlighting the significance of economic growth, employment, skills, and manufacturing in the UK.”
“I aimed to emphasize that governments need to manage migration in conjunction with investments in skills, industry, and jobs to ensure that long-term prosperity is shared by all. It is vital to maintain an open dialogue regarding the challenges facing the UK.”
During the Sky News interview on Wednesday, Ratcliffe stated: “An economy cannot sustain nine million individuals on benefits while experiencing significant levels of immigration.”
“In fact, the UK is being colonised. It is incurring excessive costs. The UK has been colonised by immigrants.”
The FA is reportedly set to assess the comments to determine if they violate its regulations.
If the FA opts for a formal investigation, it may focus on FA Rule E3.1, which pertains to general conduct.
This rule specifies: “A participant shall at all times act in the best interests of the game and shall not engage in any behavior that is improper or brings the game into disrepute, nor use any form of violent conduct, serious foul play, threatening, abusive, indecent, or insulting words or behavior.”
Rule E3.2 indicates that a violation of Rule E3.1 would be classified as an “aggravated breach” if it includes any reference, whether explicit or implied, to any of the following — ethnic origin, color, race, nationality, religion or belief, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, or disability.
As a co-owner of the club, Ratcliffe is subject to FA regulations as a participant.
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Burnham, who is part of a coalition of local officials collaborating with Ratcliffe and United on the redevelopment of the Old Trafford area and stadium, remarked: “These comments contradict everything Manchester has historically represented: a place where individuals of all races and faiths have united over centuries to build our city and our institutions, including Manchester United FC.”
“Advocating for restrictions on immigration levels is one thing; depicting those who arrive here as a hostile invading force is entirely different. It is inaccurate, disrespectful, and inflammatory and should be retracted.”
“Footballers from around the globe who have come to play in Greater Manchester have enriched our city region, as have the numerous individuals working in Greater Manchester’s NHS and other vital services and industries.”
“We value their contributions as a city region renowned for our warm hospitality.”
In what seemed to be a critique of the Glazer family, who hold a majority stake in United, Burnham added: “If any criticism is warranted, it should be directed at those who have made minimal contributions to our community and have instead spent years extracting wealth from one of our most cherished institutions.”
