Man United release statement after controversy around Jim Ratcliffe comments on immigration

Danny Jones Danny Jones Man United issue statement in response to Jim Ratcliffe immigrants comments controversy

Manchester United Football Club have issued an official statement following the controversial comments made by co-owner Jim Ratcliffe surrounding immigration earlier this week.

This comes after Ratcliffe himself ultimately apologised for his “choice of language” in an interview with Sky News reporter Ed Conway.

His remarks, now widely publicised and having already sparked plenty of backlash and debate, have been criticised for being not only politically charged but also divisive, inflammatory and ‘inaccurate’.

Now, Man United – the global footballing brand with one of, if not the largest worldwide fan base that he has a minority stakeholding in – has shared a message online, reiterating that the organisation “prides itself on being an inclusive and welcoming club.”

The statement reads: “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.

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“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.”

Some believe more should still have been said and earlier, especially given that the press release doesn’t reference Ratcliffe directly, but they have finally broken their silence on the matter nearly 24 hours after the fact.

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As for those who haven’t dug into exactly what the 74-year-old businessman and Monaco resident said in the sit-down with Sky, you can find out more here:

Jim Ratcliffe apologises for ‘choice of language’ after backlash over immigration comments

As for United, their media team goes on to write: “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.

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

Concluding with one final message of commitment, they add: “In the weeks and months ahead, we will be supporting further initiatives in these areas.

This update clearly comes in response not only to the calls from supporters and people around the world to reply (the news breaking late yesterday afternoon), but in the wake of the British billionaire’s apology – though many still feel it falls short of an adequate one.

As for the several notable figures to have taken issue with Ratcliffe’s remarks, the Mayor for Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, was one of the most outspoken in his public reaction.

Despite having met and spoken with the INEOS boss on a number of ocassions as part of the Old Trafford Regeneration ‘Taskforce’, which includes plans to develop the football team’s home stadium, Burnham didn’t hold back in levelling his criticism at Ratcliffe and the wider ownership group.

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Featured Images — The Manc Group/Sky News (screenshot via YouTube)

A McDonald’s x Friends festival took over Bolton yesterday, with episodes screening at Cineworld and exclusive merch available

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson A McDonald’s x Friends festival took over Bolton yesterday, with episodes screening at Cineworld and exclusive merch available

Friends fans, gather round – a huge event dedicated to the hit sitcom took over Bolton yesterday, with exclusive screenings and limited-edition merch – and even if you missed the Friends festival, you can still get in on the action. 

The Cineworld Bolton was turned into an ultimate immersive Friends experience, all thanks to McDonald’s and its collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products (WBDGCP) and DCM.

The event was created to coincide with the release of the brand-new, limited-edition Friends Meal at McDonald’s, which features a different character collectible in each meal – a miniature Rachel Green, Monica Geller, Phoebe Buffay, Joey Tribbiani, Chandler Bing or Ross Geller.

McDonald’s will be taking its Friends festival to 12 locations right across the UK, bringing the beloved show to the big screen. 

As well as episodes being screened in the cinema, there’ll be merch, fun photo moments, and unmissable experiences. 

It took place in Bolton for one day only, with fans able to hop in a free AI photobooth that turns you into a Friends-style collectible (which you could then print onto a t-shirt and take home for free). 

Then at all stops on the tour you can kick back with a free Maccies in hand to watch classic episodes on the big screen. 

The limited-time Friends Meal from McDonald’s, which launched last week, features one-offs like Monica’s Marinara Sauce (Italian tomato sauce with garlic, onion and herbs), plus those adorable character collectibles.  

There’s Ross with his pet monkey, Rachel serving coffee, Monica in full chef mode, Phoebe with her guitar, and Chandler and Joey with their chick and duck duo. 

You can choose from a Big Mac®, 9 McNuggets®, or a McPlant® meal to gain one of the six collectibles from your local participating McDonald’s. 

There’s also a chance to win one of four exclusive Friends-inspired mugs through the McDonald’s App if you’re an MMR customer. 

Tickets for the Friends and McDonald’s event have gone faster than Ross can say “We were on a break”, but you can check the latest availability HERE. 

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Featured image: Supplied

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