Since becoming the boss of Manchester United, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has not really been unanimous around him. Certainly, the team now coached by Michael Carrick has found a smile and a fourth place in the standings after four victories and a draw in the Premier League, but the boss of INEOS is not very popular. Ratcliffe had already distinguished himself by making several savings in MU’s budget that some considered petty. This time, the billionaire is causing a scandal among the Red Devils for his recent comments on the United Kingdom and the subject of immigration.
“We cannot have an economy with nine million people on welfare and a massive influx of immigrants. I mean, the UK was colonized. It costs too much. The UK was colonized by immigrants, wasn’t it? I mean, the population of the UK was 58 million in 2020, it’s now 70 million. This represents 12 million additional people.he declared on the microphone of sky. Comments which logically caused an outcry on the other side of the Channel, to the point of forcing the English Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, to come out of his silence on his social networks. “Offensive and inappropriate. Britain is a proud, tolerant and diverse country. Jim Ratcliffe should apologize.” Charismatic mayor of Manchester, Andy Burnham also issued a press release to denounce these statements.
Comments that scandalize some MU supporters
“These comments go against everything that Manchester has always stood for: a place where people of all backgrounds, of all faiths and of no faith have come together over the centuries to build our city and our institutions, including Manchester United FC. Calling for limits on immigration is one thing, portraying those who come here as a hostile invading force is another. These comments are inaccurate, insulting and inflammatory, and must be removed. The footballers who have come from all over the world to play in Greater Manchester have enriched the lives of our region, as have the many people working in the NHS and other essential services and sectors. We appreciate their contribution, as a region renowned for its warm welcome. If criticism is necessary, it should be directed at those who have contributed little to our life here and who, instead, have spent years plundering the resources of one of our most prestigious institutions.”
Entangled in this racist scandal, Ratcliffe not only caused consternation among public opinion and the political class. He also caused a stir within Manchester United. The Manchester United Muslim Supporters’ Club (MUMSC) also published a scathing statement on its X account. “We are deeply concerned by recent comments describing the UK as having been ‘colonized’ by immigrants, and positive references to politicians whose rhetoric on immigration and minorities has long been divisive. The term “colonized” is not neutral. It echoes language frequently used by the far right, which portrays migrants as invaders and demographic threats. Such rhetoric has very real consequences. The UK has seen a steady rise in hate crimes in recent years, including a rise in Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, racist attacks and hostility towards migrants and people of color. Public discourse shapes behavior. When influential figures adopt language that echoes extremist arguments, they risk legitimizing prejudice and deepening divisions. Manchester United is an international club built on the diversity of its players, staff and supporters, from all backgrounds, faiths and ethnicities. The strength of our club, and of our country, lies in this diversity. The debate on immigration policy is legitimate. But this must be done responsibly, without comments that exclude communities or reinforce discourse associated with intolerance. We stand in solidarity with all communities who reject racism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and hatred in all its forms, and we call for leadership that unites rather than divides.. To be continued.
