Manchester United release statement amid Jim Ratcliffe controversy

Manchester United have issued a statement after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s controversial comments on immigration.

The Red Devils co-owner has been heavily criticised for remarks he made in an interview with Sky News.

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Ratcliffe said the United Kingdom had been ‘colonised by immigrants’.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is among those to condemn his statement.

The British billionaire has since apologised for ‘offending some people’ with his comments.

United statement

United have now issued a statement of their own amid the reaction to their co-owner’s controversial language.

The club said: “Manchester United prides itself on being an inclusive and welcoming club.

“Our diverse group of players, staff and global community of supporters, reflect the history and heritage of Manchester; a city that anyone can call home.

“Since launching All Red All Equal in 2016, we have embedded equality, diversity and inclusion into everything we do.

“We remain deeply committed to the principles and spirit of that campaign.

“They are reflected in our policies but also in our culture and are reinforced by our holding of the Premier League’s Advanced Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Standard.

“Over the course of this season, we have participated in events and initiatives at our men’s and women’s games marking mental health, LGBTQ+ inclusion, No Room for Racism, violence against women and girls and homophobic chanting.

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“We have also celebrated our supporters’ clubs’ events, including our Disabled Supporters’ Association’s Christmas Party and our Jewish Supporters’ Club’s Chanukah event.

“In the weeks and months ahead, we will be supporting further initiatives in these areas.

“This all sits alongside the incredible work which the Manchester United Foundation undertakes in and around Manchester on a daily basis.

“Manchester United reflects the unity and resilience of all the communities we are so privileged to represent.

“We will continue to represent our people, our city and our fans with purpose and pride.”

What did Ratcliffe say?

United’s statement follows criticism from fan groups towards Ratcliffe’s remarks.

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In an interview with Sky News, the 73-year-old said: “You can’t have an economy with nine million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in.

“I mean, the UK has been colonised. It’s costing too much money. The UK has been colonised by immigrants, really, hasn’t it?”

He apologised for his language in a statement of his own on Thursday.

Ratcliffe said: “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.”

The INEOS chairman completed his purchase of a 25 per cent stake in United two years ago.

He also owns Swiss club Lausanne-Sport and Ligue 1 outfit Nice.