Manchester United executive Sir Jim Ratcliffe issued an apology for his controversial statement suggesting that the UK had been “colonised by immigrants.” Anti-racism organizations criticized his remarks, with the Prime Minister, Manchester United fans, and residents from his childhood council estate expressing disapproval. The Football Association was reportedly investigating whether his comments on Sky News had tarnished the sport’s reputation.

In his statement, the 73-year-old billionaire, with a fortune of £17 billion, expressed regret for offending individuals in the UK and Europe. He emphasized the importance of managed immigration to support economic growth during discussions at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp.

Despite his apology, critics argued that Ratcliffe failed to acknowledge the positive aspects of immigration and the implications of his language. Ged Grebby from Show Racism the Red Card stated that the tycoon’s remarks echoed far-right rhetoric, requiring a more sincere apology to address the issue properly.

While some residents supported Ratcliffe’s views, others, including Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, condemned his comments as inaccurate and divisive. Justice minister Jake Richards criticized Ratcliffe for his offensive language and highlighted his tax-related actions, questioning his credibility on immigration matters.

Manchester United Muslim Supporters Club expressed disappointment over Ratcliffe’s choice of words, noting their association with far-right ideologies. They emphasized the importance of inclusive leadership within the club to unite supporters and avoid marginalization based on race, religion, or background.