Maro Itoje Blasts Sir Jim Ratcliffe Over 'Ridiculous' Immigration Comments

The football world is reeling after Sir Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of Manchester United, ignited a firestorm with highly controversial remarks on immigration, drawing a swift and forceful rebuke from prominent figures across sports and politics, most notably England rugby captain Maro Itoje.

Key Points

• Sir Jim Ratcliffe made unprompted comments about the UK being "colonised by immigrants" in a Sky News interview.
• England rugby star Maro Itoje, born in the UK to Nigerian parents, labelled the comments "ridiculous" and "far from the truth."
• Political leaders, including Keir Starmer, condemned Ratcliffe's statements as "offensive and wrong."
• The Football Association (FA) is now reviewing the comments for potential rule breaches, putting Manchester United's new co-owner under scrutiny.

Ratcliffe's Ill-Advised Remarks Spark Outrage

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the billionaire INEOS founder and new co-owner of Manchester United, stirred a hornet's nest with unprompted comments on immigration during a Sky News interview. He controversially stated that the United Kingdom had been "colonised by immigrants," referencing a significant population increase. These remarks quickly cascaded into widespread condemnation, casting a shadow over his early tenure at Old Trafford.

Maro Itoje Delivers Powerful Rejection

One of the most impactful responses came from England rugby captain Maro Itoje. Speaking out against Ratcliffe's statements, Itoje firmly declared, "I don’t condone the language he used." He continued, emphasizing his own heritage: "I was born in this country of Nigerian descent and I think it’s ridiculous to say Great Britain has been colonised by immigrants because that is so far from the truth. I think it’s wrong." Itoje also proudly reaffirmed his commitment to representing England, a passion deeply cherished by his late mother.

Widespread Condemnation and a Swift Apology

The backlash against Ratcliffe extended beyond the sporting arena. Labour leader Keir Starmer swiftly condemned the comments, urging the Manchester United co-owner to apologise for what he termed "offensive and wrong" remarks. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham echoed this sentiment, describing them as "inaccurate, insulting and inflammatory."

In an attempt to quell the growing uproar, Ratcliffe issued a statement, apologising for his "choice of language" but reaffirming the importance of discussing "controlled and well-managed immigration." However, the Manchester United Supporters' Trust (MUST) also weighed in, stating that the club's leadership should promote inclusion, not marginalise any part of its diverse fanbase.

FA Scrutiny Looms for United Co-Owner

The controversy has now attracted the attention of the Football Association (FA). Reports indicate that the FA is actively reviewing Sir Jim Ratcliffe's comments to ascertain if any rules have been breached. As a director of Manchester United, Ratcliffe is considered a "participant" under FA regulations, which mandate that participants act in the best interests of the game and avoid disreputable conduct. This investigation adds another layer of complexity to an already tense situation, highlighting the significant responsibility that comes with high-profile ownership in football. The football community awaits the outcome with keen interest.