Show Racism the Red Card have responded after Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe claimed 'the UK has been colonised by immigrants'
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Alex Ferguson at the Europa League final last season
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Alex Ferguson at the Europa League final last season(Image: ( Jean Catuffe/Getty Images))
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Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been told he’s 'perpetuating myths' about immigration after claiming 'the UK has been colonised by immigrants'. Sir Jim bought a minority share in Manchester United in late 2023, and his Ineos group has since taken control of football operations.
But in an interview with Sky News which was released on Wednesday evening, the United chief said politicians needed to 'do some difficult things with the UK to get it back on track'. He said: “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.”
Before he added: “If you really want to deal with the major issues of immigration, with people opting to take benefits rather than working for a living, if you want to deal with that, then you are going to have to do some things which are unpopular and show some courage.”
However, responding to the claims by Sir Jim, Ged Grebby, chief executive of Show Racism the Red Card, told the Mirror that legendary United manager Sir Alex Ferguson would never make such a statement.
He said: "I couldn't agree more with the people who have commented on the hypocrisy of these remarks, coming from a man who lives in Monaco as a tax exile.
"And then there is the ignorance of his views on immigration. Analysis shows that the vast majority of immigrants are young people who work and contribute to the economy because they want to make a better life for themselves.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Omar Berrada will hope to give Manchester United's next manager an immediate transfer boost
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox at a Manchester United game(Image: (Photo by Javier Garcia/Shutterstock))
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"So his views on that are nonsense. He is perpetuating the myths about immigration; you just have to look at the NHS and social services to see how much immigrants contribute to the UK economy.
"It is frustrating; for 'Show Racism the Red Card', Manchester United are one of the best clubs. Yet we have the owner making cheap remarks like this.
"I know that Sir Alex Ferguson would say the exact opposite, he knows how much immigrants have contributed to life here. Unison is doing important work on migrant labour, as they have contributed to a big increase in their membership."
And in a statement, Show Racism the Red Card said: ”We are deeply concerned by the comments by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of Manchester United, suggesting that the United Kingdom is being “colonised.”
“Language of this kind echoes narratives that have historically been used to stigmatise migrant communities, fuel division, and legitimise hostility toward minority groups.
Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes and Sir Alex Ferguson during Manchester United's 2-1 Fa Cup defeat to Brighton
Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes and Sir Alex Ferguson during Manchester United's 2-1 Fa Cup defeat to Brighton(Image: (James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images))
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“At a time when hate crime is rising and communities are feeling increasingly unsafe, public figures must recognise the weight and consequences of their words.
“Britain is a diverse society shaped by migration. Framing that diversity as “colonisation” is reinforcing harmful stereotypes and emboldening those who seek to divide rather than unite. We urge all leaders in sport, business, and public life to choose language that promotes inclusion, respect, and social cohesion.
“Football clubs and their leadership hold enormous cultural influence. Their teams are full of players from countries all over the globe, who are heroes to true supporters. Club influence should be used to challenge racism, not inadvertently amplify narratives that undermine community harmony. We are to tackling racism in all its forms and promoting a society where everyone feels they belong.”
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