U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer branded comments made by Jim Ratcliffe that the country has been “colonized” by immigrants as “offensive and wrong,” and insisted the Manchester United co-owner should apologize.
Ratcliffe drew a flurry of criticism Wednesday after an interview with Sky News in which the 73-year-old complained at the impact of “huge levels of immigrants” entering the country.
The remarks prompted a rebuke from Starmer, and sparked outrage from a number of United supporter groups.
The Prime Minister posted on X: “Offensive and wrong. Britain is a proud, tolerant and diverse country. Jim Ratcliffe should apologise.”
Earlier in the day, Ratcliffe told Sky News: “You can’t have an economy with 9 million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in.
“I mean, the UK has been colonized. It’s costing too much money. … The UK has been colonised by immigrants, really, hasn’t it?”
The interview was swiftly condemned by the Manchester United Muslim Supporters Club (MUMSC) for including “language frequently used in far-right narratives.”
A statement issued by MUMSC read: “Manchester United is a global club built on diversity — on players, staff and supporters from every background, faith and ethnicity.
“The strength of our club, and of our country, lies in that diversity. …
“We stand with all communities who reject racism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and hatred in all its forms, and we call for leadership that unites rather than divides.”
The Manchester United Supporters Trust said: “Comments from the club’s senior leadership should make inclusion easier, not harder.”
Anti-discrimination organization Kick It Out said in a statement there was “no place” for Ratcliffe’s views in English football.
“Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s comments are disgraceful and deeply divisive at a time when football does so much to bring communities together,” it read.
” … This type of language and leadership has no place in English football, and we believe most fans will feel the same.”
