UK News
Jim Ratcliffe apologises for ‘choice of language’ after backlash over immigration comments
Danny Jones
Football’s leading anti-discrimination organisation here in the UK, Kick It Out – among many others – have issued an official statement condemning some of the recent comments made by Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe regarding immigration, for which he has since issued an apology.
Safe to say that the remarks made by the minority stakeholder haven’t gone down well among the majority either, be that United fans, other football supporters, or members of the public in general.
In case you haven’t seen Ratcliffe’s controversial interview with Sky News, the headline is that he believes “the UK has been colonised by immigrants”.
You can see the video in question, which he has now at least partly apologised for, down below.
Unsurprisingly, the contentious talking head sparked major backlash far beyond just the fan base, with everyone from Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, pundits such as Carl Anka and political commentator Piers Morgan issuing their own responses to the clip on social media.
Burnham summed up Ratcliffe’s opinions by stating that “portraying those who come here as a hostile invading force […] is inaccurate, insulting, inflammatory and should be withdrawn.”
Meanwhile, Anka is one of many to flag accusations of hypocrisy behind the British billionaire’s stance, given that he has registered his formal residence in the principality of Monaco, meaning that not only does he not currently reside in his home nation, but he doesn’t pay UK income tax either.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also came out to criticise the 73-year-old INEOS chairman and CEO, writing simply that what he said was “offensive and wrong”, noting that “Britain is a proud, tolerant and diverse country.”
Ratcliffe was born in Failsworth (part of the metropolitan borough of Oldham) but most notably lived in Hampshire, before also relocating his petrochemical company’s headquarters to Switzerland back in 2010 and, as previously mentioned, moving to Monaco himself at the outset of the pandemic.
As for Kick It Out, the anti-hate group shared a short but emphatic statement on social media expressing their disappointment and distress following the outburst.
The statement goes on to recognise that Man United‘s home city is one “whose cultural history has been enriched by immigrants”, adding, “This type of language and leadership has no place in English football, and we believe most fans will feel the same.”
Despite having roots in the region, many online are now expressing that they feel the expat deeply misunderstands not only the multiculturalism that makes the club a global brand and worldwide sporting community, but also the region he was born in, and the country he belongs to, what it is today.
Plenty more on social media are also raising concerns after journalist Ed Conway pointed out that Ratcliffe recently engaged with right-wing Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
Following the uproar, Ratcliffe has shared an update directly via Sky after pressure from numerous directions to apologise, including from Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
The statement reads: “I’m sorry that my choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe and caused concern, but it’s important to raise the issue of controlled and well-managed immigration that supports economic growth.
“My comments were made while answering questions about UK policy at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, where I was discussing the importance of economic growth, jobs, skills and manufacturing in the UK.
He concludes by insisting: “My intention was to stress that governments must manage migration alongside investment in skills, industry and jobs so that long-term prosperity is shared by everyone. It is critical that we maintain an open debate on the challenges facing the UK.”
You can watch Jim Ratcliffe’s sit-down with the news broadcaster in full right HERE.
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Featured Images — The Manc Group/Sky News (screenshot via YouTube)
The Manc -
10th September 2021 
