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Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the billionaire co-owner of Manchester United, has issued an apology after his controversial remarks about immigration sparked public backlash. He had stated that the UK was “colonised by immigrants,” a comment that drew strong criticism from political figures including Sir Keir Starmer, who called the remarks “offensive and wrong.” Despite apologizing for offending people with his choice of words, Ratcliffe emphasized the importance of an “open debate” about controlled immigration policies that support economic growth.
Manchester United itself has not directly addressed Ratcliffe’s comments but released a statement affirming the club’s commitment to inclusivity. The statement highlighted the diverse nature of the club’s players, staff, and global fanbase, pointing out that this diversity reflects Manchester’s “history and heritage” and the city’s welcoming spirit. The club expressed pride in representing a range of communities, reaffirming its dedication to unity and resilience.
The Football Association (FA) is reportedly reviewing whether Ratcliffe’s statements have brought the sport into disrepute. Should the FA decide to launch a formal inquiry and charge the 73-year-old under its regulations, Ratcliffe may face disciplinary action. The criticism intensified following his interview with Sky News, where he made additional comments about immigration and benefits, claiming the UK’s population had surged by 12 million to 70 million in five years—a figure that does not align with official statistics, which put the population growth at under three million.
Public responses to Ratcliffe’s comments have been mixed. While some political leaders, such as Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, condemned the remarks as offensive and contrary to Manchester’s inclusive values, others like Nigel Farage defended parts of his statement, suggesting that mass migration has negatively impacted the country. Anti-racism organizations also voiced strong concerns, warning that such language risks perpetuating divisive narratives that stigmatize migrant communities and foster hostility
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