Manchester United's Jim Ratcliffe Apologizes for Immigration Comments
Jim Ratcliffe's comments on immigration prompt backlash from UK PM Keir Starmer and Manchester United supporters, citing concerns over tone and accuracy.
“My comments were made while answering questions about UK policy at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp...”
Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe has apologized for his comments on immigration, saying the UK has been “colonized by immigrants.” He made the remarks in a TV interview, suggesting that high levels of immigration had harmed the economy. Ratcliffe's comments sparked widespread criticism, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer calling them “offensive and wrong.”
In his apology, Ratcliffe said he was sorry his choice of language had offended some people, but emphasized the need for controlled and well-managed immigration that supports economic growth. The controversy has put Manchester United under scrutiny, with some fans and officials expressing concern over Ratcliffe's comments, given the club's diverse squad and global fanbase.
But following calls for Ratcliffe to apologise, including from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the 73-year-old 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.
“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 added: “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.”
Inflammatory and divisive'
A spokesman for Starmer reacted by saying: “The Prime Minister asked for an apology, and one's been issued, and it's absolutely right that Jim Ratcliffe has apologised for that language.”
Pressed on whether Ratcliffe's apology went far enough, the spokesman said: “It's for Mr Ratcliffe to speak to his apology... It's not for me.”
He added: “We are of course of the view that there should be a serious debate about immigration, but the Prime Minister believes in a Britain built for all, and that those comments were inflammatory and divisive.”
Ratcliffe told Sky News on Wednesday: “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.”
Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe is facing possible disciplinary action from the Football Association (FA) over his comments on immigration, which have been deemed “offensive and wrong” by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Ratcliffe apologized for his “choice of language” after saying the UK has been "colonized" by immigrants, citing incorrect population figures.
The FA is assessing whether Ratcliffe's remarks breached their rules on bringing the game into disrepute. If charged, he could face fines, warnings, or even a suspension from football-related activities. Ratcliffe's comments have sparked widespread criticism, with some calling them “disgraceful and deeply divisive.”
The UK's Office for National Statistics (ONS) says the population was actually 67 million in 2020, not 58 million as Ratcliffe stated, and is now around 70 million. This contradicts Ratcliffe's claims about immigration's impact.
“Jim Ratcliffe’s comments were outrageous. They are offensive and they were deeply wrong. We do have a problem in our country, and that problem is inequality. It’s not immigration.”
— The Green Party (@TheGreenParty) February 12, 2026
Ellie Chowns on #BBCQT, rejecting attempts to blame migrants for country's problems. pic.twitter.com/BrGn3xEKOa
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer quickly condemned Ratcliffe's comments as “offensive and wrong” urging him to apologize. Kick It Out, a UK body fighting racism in football, slammed the remarks as “disgraceful and deeply divisive.”
“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,” Kick It Out said in a statement.
“This type of language and leadership has no place in English football, and we believe most fans will feel the same.”
Several Manchester United supporters' groups criticized Ratcliffe's comments, echoing concerns about the language used. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham distinguished between calling for immigration curbs and portraying immigrants as a “hostile invading force,” saying the latter was unacceptable.
Burnham's comments added to the growing criticism of Ratcliffe's remarks.
Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been heavily criticised for his comments on Sky News saying immigrants had "colonised" the UK.
— Sky News (@SkyNews) February 12, 2026
Since the interview, the businessman has apologised for his language, as our sports correspondent @RobHarris reports. pic.twitter.com/TAXKFkr10q
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