Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Immigration Rant: Man Utd Co-Owner Under Fire
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the orchestrator of Manchester United's new footballing vision, has ignited a firestorm far beyond the pitch, launching a provocative tirade on UK immigration that has drawn immediate condemnation from political leaders, fan groups, and anti-racism organisations alike.
Key Points:
- Sir Jim Ratcliffe sparked outrage with comments claiming the UK has been "colonised" by immigrants.
- Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer demanded an apology, calling the remarks "offensive and wrong."
- Manchester United fan groups and anti-racism charity Kick It Out condemned the statements, highlighting the club's diverse foundation.
- Ratcliffe defended his "unpopular" stance, comparing it to his controversial decisions at Old Trafford.
Ratcliffe's Provocative Stance Ignites Debate
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the petrochemicals magnate now controlling Manchester United's football operations, didn't hold back in a recent interview. He asserted that the UK's economy is unsustainable with "nine million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in."
He controversially stated, "The UK has been colonised. It's costing too much money." Ratcliffe further claimed the population surged from 58 million in 2020 to 70 million, a figure partially contradicted by the Office of National Statistics (ONS), which notes the 58 million mark was hit in 2000, not 2020. The ONS confirmed a growth from 67 million in 2020 to an estimated 70 million in 2024.
Political Fallout: Starmer Demands Apology
The Manchester United co-owner also delved into political commentary, labelling Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer "too nice" and advocating for a leader "prepared to be unpopular" to tackle "big issues." Ratcliffe even praised Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, describing him as "an intelligent man" with "good intentions" due to his stance on migration.
Sir Keir Starmer swiftly hit back, branding Ratcliffe's remarks "offensive and wrong." He stressed, "Britain is a proud, tolerant and diverse country. Jim Ratcliffe should apologise."
Farage, naturally, defended Ratcliffe, arguing that "Britain has undergone unprecedented mass immigration" and that Labour "may try to ignore that but Reform won’t."
Fan Fury and Club Values Under Scrutiny
The backlash wasn't limited to politics. Manchester United fan group The 1958, known for its protests against ticket price hikes and the Glazer family, slammed Ratcliffe's comments as "ill-advised" and "a total embarrassment." They highlighted his Monaco residency, implying tax avoidance, and criticised his leadership at the club.
The 1958 pointed to questionable decisions like extending and then sacking Erik ten Hag, and firing Dan Ashworth after a short tenure. They suggested Ratcliffe is "completely deluded" about why he's unpopular, asserting he's "out of touch with the core fan base."
The Manchester United Muslim Supporters Club expressed "deep concern," linking the term "colonised" to "far-right narratives" that fuel hate crimes. They powerfully stated, "Manchester United is a global club built on diversity – on players, staff and supporters from every background, faith and ethnicity."
Kick It Out Calls Remarks 'Disgraceful'
Anti-racism in football charity Kick It Out minced no words, calling Sir Jim Ratcliffe's statements "disgraceful and deeply divisive." They underscored the inaccurate figures cited and reminded him that Manchester United boasts a diverse fanbase and represents a city enriched by immigrants.
Kick It Out concluded, "This type of language and leadership has no place in English football, and we believe most fans will feel the same." The controversy has undoubtedly cast a shadow over Ratcliffe's early tenure at Old Trafford, forcing a spotlight onto his broader public opinions.
