Manchester United fan club express concern over Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s immigration comments

Earlier today, INEOS owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe conducted an interview at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, where industry leaders come together to link with politicians.

However, the interview quickly swept through the news as Ratcliffe made a bold and controversial statement about the situation in the UK.

Speaking about issues in Britain, Ratcliffe claimed: “The UK has been colonised by immigrants.”

The comments came talking about benefits in the UK, with the wording immediately questioned by the interviewer, only for Ratcliffe to reiterate the viewpoint.

Now, on the back of the comments, the Manchester United Muslim Supporters Club have issued a response on social media to Manchester United’s co-owner’s wording.

The statement read: “We are deeply concerned by recent remarks describing the UK as having been ‘colonised’ by immigrants, and by positive references to political figures whose rhetoric on immigration and minority communities has long been divisive.”

It continued: “The term ‘colonised’ is not neutral. It echoes language frequently used in far-right narratives that frame migrants as invaders and demographic threats. Such rhetoric has real-world consequences.

“The UK has experienced sustained increases in hate crimes in recent years, including rises in Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, racially motivated attacks, and hostility toward migrants and people of colour.

“Public discourse shapes public behaviour. When influential figures adopt language that mirrors extremist talking points, it risks legitimising prejudice and deepening division.

“Manchester United is a global club built on diversity – on players, staff and supporters from every background, faith and ethnicity.

“The strength of our club, and of our country, lies in that diversity. Debate on immigration policy is legitimate.

“But it must be conducted responsibly, without language that alienates communities or reinforces narratives associated with intolerance.”

“We stand 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.”