Ineos chief apologised for claiming the UK has been “colonised by immigrants” as the club defended its inclusive values and the FA said it would examine the comments
Manchester United owner Jim Ratcliffe has been forced to apologise after controversial comments on immigration(Image: Justin Setterfield, Getty Images)
Manchester United has emphasised its commitment to being “inclusive and welcoming” after co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s widely-panned statement that the UK has been “colonised by immigrants”.
Ineos founder Mr Ratcliffe expressed regret if his comments, made during a Sky News interview on Wednesday, had “offended some people”. His remarks drew sharp criticism from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.
The Press Association understands that the Football Association will scrutinise Mr Ratcliffe’s statements to determine if they have tarnished the reputation of the sport. On Thursday afternoon, the Premier League club issued a statement affirming their commitment to inclusivity.
The statement read: “Manchester United prides itself on being an inclusive and welcoming club.
“Our diverse group of players, staff and global community of supporters, reflect the history and heritage of Manchester; a city that anyone can call home.
“Since launching All Red All Equal in 2016, we have embedded equality, diversity and inclusion into everything we do.
“We remain deeply committed to the principles and spirit of that campaign. They are reflected in our policies but also in our culture and are reinforced by our holding of the Premier League’s Advanced Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Standard.”
United highlighted that they have organised events this season to support “mental health, LGBTQ+ inclusion, No Room for Racism, violence against women and girls and homophobic chanting”.
The club stated: “In the weeks and months ahead, we will be supporting further initiatives in these areas.”
Earlier on Thursday, Mr Ratcliffe apologised for his choice of words, saying in a statement: “I am sorry that my choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe and caused concern, but it is important to raise the issue of controlled and well-managed immigration that supports economic growth.
“My comments were made while answering questions about UK policy at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, where I was discussing the importance of economic growth, jobs, skills and manufacturing in the UK.
“My intention was to stress that governments must manage migration alongside investment in skills, industry and jobs so that long-term prosperity is shared by everyone. It is critical that we maintain an open debate on the challenges facing the UK.”
Speaking to Sky News on Wednesday, Mr Ratcliffe said: “You can’t have an economy with nine million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in.
“I mean, the UK is being colonised. It’s costing too much money. The UK has been colonised by immigrants.”
It is understood by PA that the FA will review the comments to determine if they violated its regulations.
If the FA decides to launch a formal investigation, the focus may be on FA Rule E3.1, which pertains to general behaviour. As a co-owner of the club, Ratcliffe is subject to FA rules as a participant.
Football anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out has labelled Mr Ratcliffe’s remarks as “disgraceful and deeply divisive at a time when football does so much to bring communities together”.
Burnham, who is collaborating with Mr Ratcliffe and United on the revitalisation of the Old Trafford area and stadium, commented: “These comments go against everything for which Manchester has traditionally stood: a place where people of all races and faiths have pulled together over centuries to build our city and our institutions, including Manchester United FC.”
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