1. During a Sky News interview, Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe asserted that the UK has been “colonised by immigrants.” He contended that elevated levels of migration and benefit dependency are proving too costly and advocated for “difficult” and “unpopular” measures to restore economic stability.
2. Ratcliffe drew parallels between the national circumstances and his stewardship at Old Trafford, noting he has become deeply unpopular following recent sweeping changes. He implied Prime Minister Keir Starmer might be too accommodating for the role and voiced respect for Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, describing him as an “intelligent man” with “good intentions.”
3. Prime Minister Keir Starmer spearheaded the political condemnation, branding the billionaire’s language as “offensive and wrong.” Starmer maintained that Britain is a proud, tolerant, and diverse nation and directly urged Ratcliffe to apologise for his comments, which the PM believed mischaracterised the country’s identity.
4. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham delivered a scathing response, branding the remarks “inaccurate, insulting, and inflammatory.” Burnham contended the comments depicted immigrants as a threatening presence, contradicting Manchester’s heritage of inclusion. He highlighted that international players and NHS workers have substantially enriched the life of the city-region.
5. The Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) voiced serious concerns, asserting that the senior leadership should be making inclusion easier, not harder. They stressed that the club belongs to all fans, regardless of race or religion, and called on the custodians of United to unite the fanbase rather than marginalise sections of it.
6. Anti-racism groups slammed the language used, with Show Racism the Red Card accusing Ratcliffe of perpetuating stereotypes. They pointed out the irony of his remarks given his status as a tax exile in Monaco and suggested that legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson would likely have contrasting views on the value of immigrants.
7. In response to the widespread criticism, Ratcliffe released a statement on Thursday apologising if his “choice of language has offended some people.” He clarified that his aim was to emphasise the importance of controlled migration alongside investment in skills and industry for long-term prosperity.
8. Ratcliffe’s full statement reads: “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.”
9. 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.”
10. The fallout could have professional repercussions, as it’s understood the Football Association will investigate whether his contentious remarks have tarnished the game’s reputation. This piles on more pressure for his Ineos regime, already under fire from fan protests over ticket prices and recent club redundancies.

Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings