Manchester United Respond to Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Controversial Comments

Manchester United has publicly reaffirmed its commitment to being an "inclusive and welcoming club" following contentious comments made by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

In a Wednesday interview with Sky News, Sir Jim Ratcliffe claimed the United Kingdom was being "colonised" by immigrants, using inaccurate population statistics to support his argument.

While the 73-year-old later apologised for any offence caused, he stood by his decision to discuss the topic of immigration.

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The remarks triggered a significant backlash, with the Manchester United Muslim Supporters Club describing them as "appalling" and accusing Ratcliffe of fostering division and endangering minority fans.

In an apparent move to distance the club from the comments made by Ratcliffe, who holds a 27.7% stake, Manchester United released an official statement highlighting its dedication to equality and diversity.

"Manchester United 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."

The club referenced its "All Red All Equal" campaign, launched in 2016, as a cornerstone of its efforts to embed equality, diversity, and inclusion into all its operations.

The statement noted that these principles are reflected in club policies and culture, and are reinforced by its holding of the Premier League's Advanced Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Standard.

Manchester United also detailed its recent participation in initiatives supporting mental health, LGBTQ+ inclusion, anti-racism, and campaigns against violence and homophobic chanting. The club mentioned celebrating events with its Disabled Supporters' Association and Jewish Supporters' Club.

"This all sits alongside the incredible work which the Manchester United Foundation undertakes in and around Manchester on a daily basis," the statement continued.

"Manchester United reflects the unity and resilience of all the communities we are so privileged to represent. We will continue to represent our people, our city and our fans with purpose and pride."

During the original interview, Sir Jim Ratcliffe had stated: "You can't have an economy with nine million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in... The UK has been colonised by immigrants, really, hasn't it? I mean, the population of the UK was 58 million in 2020, now it's 70 million. That's 12 million people."

Official figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimate the UK population was 67 million in mid-2020 and is projected to be 70 million in mid-2024. The population was approximately 58.9 million in the year 2000.