Manchester United FC have issued a statement in light of club co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s controversial claim that Britain is being “colonised by immigrants”.
The billionaire made the comment in an interview with Sky News, and has since been met with major backlash from politicians, with Sir Keir Starmer calling on him to apologise.
Manchester United have issued a statement on the issues, claiming it “prides itself on being an inclusive and welcoming club.”
The statement read: “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”.
The club pledged to remain “deeply committed” to the principles and spirit of that diversity and equality campaign, reflected in policies and culture.
Over the course of this season, the club has participated in initiatives at both men’s and women’s games marking mental health, LGBTQ+ inclusion, anti-racism, and more.
“Manchester United reflects the unity and resilience of all the communities we are so privileged to represent,” the statement concluded.
“We will continue to represent our people, our city and our fans with purpose and pride.”
Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer condemned Sir Jim’s comments, asking the billionaire to issue an apology for the use of the work “colonised”, emphasising the benefits of a diverse Britain.
In response, Sir Jim said: “I am sorry that my choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe”.
“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.
“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.”
GB News understands the Football Association will examine whether Sir Jim’s initial comments “brought the game into disrepute” and breached regulations.
Sir Jim’s comments reflected the concern for overpopulation, citing a population increase 12 million, from 58 million in 2020, up to a near 70 million.
Nigel Farage launched a sharp rebuke against Sir Keir Starmer following the Prime Minister’s demand for an apology from Sir Jim.
The Reform UK leader accused the Labour government of “turning a blind eye” to the scale of demographic change across the country.
“Britain has undergone unprecedented mass immigration that has changed the character of many areas in our country,” Mr Farage declared.
“Labour may try to ignore that but Reform won’t.”
