Manchester United Co-Owner Jim Ratcliffe Apologizes For Saying ‘U.K. Is Colonized By Immigrants,’ But Not All Fans Are Satisfied

Manchester United released a public statement after their co-owner Jim Ratcliffe said that the United Kingdom had been “colonized by immigrants.” 

“Manchester United prides itself on being an inclusive and welcoming club,” Manchester United officials said.

Ratcliffe himself has also walked back on his comments somewhat. 

“I am sorry that my choice of language has offended some people in the U.K. and Europe and caused concern,” Ratcliffe said, “But it is important to raise the issue of controlled and well-managed immigration that supports economic growth.”

Ratcliffe also defended his comments by saying that governments must manage migration with investments in industry, skill and jobs. Ratcliffe made these comments during an interview with Sky News.  

The Manchester United Muslim Supporters’ Club, a fan group that unites Manchester United fans who are practicing Muslims, was unhappy with Ratcliffe’s defense.  

“We have noted Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s apology for his ‘choice of language’,” the group said, “However, we do not believe this sufficiently addresses the seriousness of what was said.”

The Football Association (FA) could choose to punish Ratcliffe. The rulebook provides some precedent for punishing representatives of teams (employees, players, owners,etc) for private comments.

Rule E3.1 says, “A participant shall at all times act in the best interests of the game and shall not act in any manner which is improper or brings the game into disrepute or use any one, or a combination of, violent conduct, serious foul play, threatening, abusive, indecent or insulting words or behaviour.”

Rule E3.2 says that a violation of Rule E3.1 would be considered an “aggravated breach” if the comments included references to ethnic origin, color, race, nationality, religious beliefs, gender (including gender reassignment), sexual orientation or disability. 

There is no news of any formal investigations into Ratcliffe’s comments at this time.