Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe is facing intensifying backlash after saying the United Kingdom had been “colonised by immigrants,” a remark that has drawn condemnation from political leaders, anti-discrimination groups and supporters’ organisations.
The billionaire, who is based in Monaco and bought a minority stake in the club in late 2023, made the comments in an interview with Sky News broadcast on Wednesday.
He said, “You can’t afford … you can’t have an economy with 9 million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in,” and added: “The UK is being colonised by immigrants, really, isn’t it?”
His statements have since prompted calls for an apology and raised questions about whether he breached football regulations.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer demanded on X that Ratcliffe apologise for what he described as “offensive and wrong” comments.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham urged Ratcliffe to withdraw what he called an “inaccurate, insulting, inflammatory” depiction of immigrants as “a hostile invading force.”
Justice minister Jake Richards described the remarks as “absurd,” noting Ratcliffe’s move to Monaco.
Ratcliffe later said he was sorry that his “choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe.”
The Football Association said it would examine whether the comments brought the game into disrepute, though it remains unclear whether a formal investigation will follow.
Football organisations and supporter groups have joined the criticism.
Kick it Out, the anti-discrimination body, described the comments as “disgraceful and deeply divisive.”
Show Racism the Red Card warned that such language can “fuel division” and “legitimise hostility towards minority groups.”
The Manchester United Muslim Supporters Club said the rhetoric echoed narratives that frame migrants as invaders and warned that “Such rhetoric has real-world consequences.”
The Manchester United Supporters’ Trust said club leadership “should make inclusion easier, not harder.”
The controversy adds to ongoing protests over Ratcliffe’s ownership, which have focused on ticket prices and football operations, and may further widen demonstrations against the club’s leadership.