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  "path": "/sport/football/sir-jim-ratcliffe-man-utd-uk-colonised-immigrants",
  "publishedAt": "2026-02-12T09:35:59.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Nottingham Forest set to make historical appointment after sacking Sean Dyche",
    "Ukrainian star sensationally kicked out of Winter Olympics after refusing to back down over helmet row",
    "BBC pundit brutally mocked by fans for comments on Sean Dyche just minutes before Nottingham Forest sacking",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nSir Jim Ratcliffe has sparked widespread condemnation after declaring that the UK is \"being colonised by immigrants\" during a Sky News interview on Wednesday.\n\nThe Manchester United co-owner, who heads the chemical giant Ineos, argued that Britain was overspending on immigration and criticised the Prime Minister for being \"too nice\" to tackle difficult economic challenges.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\"You can't have an economy with nine million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in,\" the billionaire stated.\n\n\"The UK has been colonised by immigrants.\"\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\nThe 1958 Group, United's leading supporters' organisation, branded the Oldham-born businessman a \"total embarrassment\" and described his remarks as \"very ill-advised,\" questioning why someone residing in Monaco to avoid UK taxation should comment on national affairs.\n\nDowning Street responded swiftly, demanding that Sir Jim apologise without delay for his remarks.\n\nA Number 10 spokesperson stated: \"Jim Ratcliffe should immediately apologise. His offensive remarks are wrong and play into the hands of those who want to divide our country.\"\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe Prime Minister personally weighed in on the controversy, characterising the businessman's comments as \"offensive\" and urging him to say sorry.\n\nThe government's intervention underscores the severity with which Westminster views the billionaire's language, with officials warning that such rhetoric serves only to embolden those seeking to create divisions within British society.\n\nSir Jim has yet to respond publicly to the calls for an apology.\n\n### LATEST SPORTS NEWS:\n\n\n\n\n  * Nottingham Forest set to make historical appointment after sacking Sean Dyche\n  * Ukrainian star sensationally kicked out of Winter Olympics after refusing to back down over helmet row\n  * BBC pundit brutally mocked by fans for comments on Sean Dyche just minutes before Nottingham Forest sacking\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nFootball's anti-discrimination body Kick It Out issued a scathing response, labelling Sir Jim's comments \"disgraceful and deeply divisive at a time when football does so much to bring communities together.\"\n\nThe organisation also challenged the accuracy of his claim that Britain's population had grown by 12 million since 2020, reminding the businessman that United boast a diverse fanbase in a city whose cultural heritage has been shaped by immigration.\n\nShow Racism the Red Card, the country's foremost anti-racism educational charity, warned that such language \"echoes narratives that have historically been used to stigmatise migrant communities, fuel division, and legitimise hostility toward minority groups.\"\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe charity highlighted concerns about rising hate crime, urging public figures to recognise the consequences of their words.\n\nThe Manchester United Muslim Supporters Club expressed deep concern over Sir Jim's language, stating it echoes rhetoric \"frequently used in far-right narratives that frame migrants as invaders and demographic threats.\"\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nKick It Out emphasised that \"this type of language and leadership has no place in English football,\" adding that most supporters would share this view.\n\nThe businessman acquired a minority stake in the club in late 2023, with his Ineos group subsequently assuming control of football operations.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nHis tenure has already proved contentious among fans, with ticket pricing and availability generating significant anger.\n\nA protest targeting the club's ownership, including Sir Jim alongside the Glazers, was held before United's recent home fixture against Fulham.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards:The GB News Editorial Charter **",
  "title": "Sir Jim Ratcliffe branded 'total embarrassment' by Man Utd fans after saying UK is 'colonised by immigrants'"
}