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Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ‘UK colonised by immigrants’ claim branded ‘disgraceful’
Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s claim that the “UK has been colonised by immigrants” has been described as “disgraceful” by football’s leading anti-discrimination organisation.
The billionaire, who is founder and chairman of one of the world’s largest chemical companies, Ineos, said in an interview with Sky News that politicians needed to “do some difficult things with the UK to get it back on track”.
The 73-year-old also used the interview to defend “difficult” decisions taken at United since acquiring a stake in the club two years ago.
But it is his comments on immigration, which included the claim that the UK population has swelled by 12 million since 2020, that have drawn a strong reaction from Kick It Out, who said in a statement given to the Press Association: “Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s comments are disgraceful and deeply divisive at a time when football does so much to bring communities together.
“In addition to the inaccurate figures mentioned, it’s worth reminding him that Manchester United has a diverse fan base and plays in a city whose cultural history has been enriched by immigrants.
“This type of language and leadership has no place in English football, and we believe most fans will feel the same.”
Ratcliffe said in the interview with Sky News: “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.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the comments “offensive and wrong” and has called on Ratcliffe to apologise.
Manchester United Supporters Trust also voiced its concern about Ratcliffe’s claims on social media, saying “senior leadership should make inclusion easier, not harder”.
The Trust said on X: “Manchester United belongs to all of its supporters. No fan should feel excluded from following or supporting the club because of their race, religion, nationality or background. Comments from the club’s senior leadership should make inclusion easier, not harder.
“This is not about politics; it is about ensuring that the custodians of Manchester United act in a way that unites supporters rather than marginalising any part of our fanbase.”
In a statement on Instagram, Manchester United Muslim Supporters Club said: “We are deeply concerned by recent remarks describing the UK as having been ‘colonised’ by immigrants, and by positive references to political figures whose rhetoric on immigration and minority communities has long been divisive.
“The term ‘colonised’ is not neutral. It echoes language frequently used in far-right narratives that frame migrants as invaders and demographic threats.”
The statement went on to reference an increase in hate crimes and racially motivated attacks and called for the debate on immigration to be conducted responsibly.
“Manchester United is a global club built on diversity – on players, staff and supporters from every background, faith and ethnicity,” it continued. “The strength of our club, and of our country, lies in that diversity.”
The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, who has worked closely with Ratcliffe on the plans for a new stadium, also condemned the comments and urged the billionaire to retract them.
“These comments go against everything for which Manchester has traditionally stood: a place where people of all races, faiths and none have pulled together over centuries to build our city and our institutions, including Manchester United FC,” said Burnham in a statement on X.
“Calling for curbs on levels of immigration is one thing; portraying those who come here as a hostile invading force is quite another. It is inaccurate, insulting, inflammatory and should be withdrawn.”
In an apparent reference to the ownership of United, Burnham added: “If any criticism is needed, it should be directed towards those who have offered little contribution to our life here and have instead spent years siphoning wealth out of one of our proudest institutions.”
Ratcliffe, who also described the Reform UK leader Nigel Farage as an “intelligent man” with “good intentions”, bought a minority share in United in late 2023 and his Ineos group has since taken control of football operations.
He has presided over a variety of contentious changes since becoming part of the ownership, with ticket pricing and availability causing particular anger among United fans.
A protest against the club’s owners – including towards Ratcliffe as well as the majority owner the Glazer family – took place before Manchester United’s recent home game against Fulham.
Ratcliffe has made a string of controversial cuts during his two years at Old Trafford, as well as sacking two managers in that period, Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim.
“I’ve seen quite a bit of this at the football club,” he said.
“If you do difficult things, which we felt that we had to do at Manchester United… we felt like they were the right things to do. But you do become very unpopular for a while.
“Well, I’ve been very unpopular at Manchester United because we’ve made lots of changes. But for the better, in my view.
“And I think we’re beginning to see some evidence in the football club that that’s beginning to pay off.”
Manchester United have been contacted for comment by PA.
