Gary Lineker is the latest public figure to condemn Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s interview with Sky News
Gary Lineker reacts to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s comments about Britain being “colonized” by immigrants (Image: Rest is Football podcast)
Gary Lineker has criticized Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s comments about Britain being “colonized” by immigrants as further backlash against Manchester United’s co-owner grows. Mr Ratcliffe made headlines on Wednesday when he spoke about the UK economy in an interview with Sky News.
The 73-year-old then partially apologized for his comments after coming under fire and being told to hold his hands up by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and various United supporters groups have also criticized the billionaire.
Mr Ratcliffe argued that Britain was being “colonized” by immigrants, who were draining the nation of resources. He also made false claims about population, suggesting that the UK’s population was 58 million and currently stands at 70 million, while the Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimates the population to be 67 million in mid-2020 and 70 million in mid-2024.
read more: Manchester United releases statement distancing club from Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s immigration abuseread more: Manchester United manager Sir Jim Ratcliffe could face FA action over controversial anti-immigrant abuse
Mr Ratcliffe said in a statement: “I regret that my choice of words has offended and caused concern to some people in the UK and Europe, but 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.”
Appearing on The Rest Is Football podcast, Lineker said: “I think the hypocrisy is difficult. Obviously Keir Starmer, the manager, wants an apology, but it remains to be seen whether he will apologize or not.”
“I saw it and it was really hypocritical. He is an immigrant himself because he lives in Monaco, he is an economic immigrant. You can complain all you want, but at least stay here, pay your taxes and contribute to our society.
Make us your preferred source to ensure the latest sports headlines always appear at the top of your Google searches. Click here to enable or add us as a preferred source in your Google search settings
“I think many people who come as immigrants contribute a lot and the facts show that in terms of their income and the taxes they pay, whereas I think Jim in Monaco is doing everything he can to avoid paying taxes.”
Sir Jim Ratcliffe speaks (Image: Sky News)
“And you’re one of the owners of Manchester United, which has a lot of players from overseas. When he’s talking about the colonization of immigrants, are you okay with white people living overseas as opposed to brown or black people? I don’t know, only he can answer that question.”
“A lot of my friends who support United came and said things like what I’m saying now. They’re very disappointed. Look at how Amad got here. So it’s very worrying that the owner of a football club can say something like that. Anyway, we move on.”
On Thursday, it emerged that the Football Association could punish Mr Ratcliffe even after he apologized. Chief executive Mark Bullingham confirmed the law and regulation department would consider the comments before deciding whether to launch a full-scale investigation.
“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.
Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily Manchester United content from Mirror Football. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can always check out. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
