Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe sparked controversy on Wednesday when he said Britain could face legal action from the FA because it is “colonized by immigrants”.
Mr Ratcliffe has caused controversy over his comments (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Sir Jim Ratcliffe could be punished by the Football Association even after Manchester United’s co-owner’s half-hearted apology.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham confirmed that the legal and regulatory department was considering Ratcliffe’s controversial “colonial” comments.
Mr Ratcliffe has now issued a partial apology for his comments which have sparked a massive backlash and could land the billionaire businessman in big trouble with the FA.
The FA is reviewing comments before deciding whether to launch a full-scale investigation after Mr Ratcliffe claimed that “immigration” led to “British colonization”.
“I can’t really comment on that. Obviously, it’s an issue that our legal and regulatory teams are working on. If it goes into the process, I can’t pass it on for comment,” Bullingham said.
read more: Piers Morgan slams Sir Jim Ratcliffe as a ‘hypocrite’ after going on a rant about immigrantsread more: Manchester United fan group slams Sir Jim Ratcliffe over controversial immigration rant
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Ratcliffe has been condemned by fan groups and anti-racism organizations as well as politicians including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.
This outrage finally led Ratcliffe to fight back, but the damage had already been done.
Ratcliffe said in a statement: “While I regret that my choice of words has offended and caused concern to some people in the UK and Europe, it is important to raise the issue of controlled and well-managed immigration that supports economic growth.
“My comments were made in response to questions about UK policy at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, where I was discussing the importance of UK economic growth, jobs, skills and manufacturing.
“My intention was to highlight that the Government must manage immigration alongside investment in skills, industry and jobs so that long-term prosperity is shared by all. It is important that we maintain an open debate about the challenges facing the UK.”
Mr Burnham said the comments were “inaccurate, offensive and inflammatory” and “contrary to everything Manchester has traditionally stood for”.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe goes on a rant about immigration (Image: Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images)
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And it is this incendiary element that the FA is likely to look at most closely to see if it might prompt a full investigation and further action.
Mr Starmer said the comments were “disgraceful and deeply divisive”, but said Mr Ratkov should “immediately apologize”.
Manchester United Muslim Supporters Club (MUMSC) said Mr Ratcliffe had used “words frequently used in far-right discourse”.
A statement said: “Manchester United is a global club built on diversity, with players, staff and supporters of all backgrounds, faiths and ethnicities. The strength of our club, and our country, lies in our diversity.”
“We stand with all communities who reject racism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and all forms of hatred, and we call for leadership that unites, not divides.”
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