British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe said on Thursday he was sorry for people who were offended by his comments about immigration after he was criticized by Prime Minister Keir Starmer for saying Britain was “colonized by immigrants”. Manchester United boss Ratcliffe said in a statement: “I am sorry that my choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe and caused concern, but it is important to raise the issue of controlled and well-managed immigration to support economic growth.”“My comments were made in response to a question about UK policy at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, where I discussed the importance of UK economic growth, jobs, skills and manufacturing. My aim is to highlight that governments must manage immigration while investing in skills, industry and jobs so that everyone can share in long-term prosperity. It is vital that we maintain an open debate on the challenges facing the UK,” he added. Ratcliffe told Sky News on Wednesday: “You can’t have an economy with nine million people on welfare and a massive influx of immigrants.“I mean, Britain is being colonized. It’s costing too much money. Britain has been colonized by immigrants.”The PA understands the comments will also be looked at by the FA to determine whether they breach rules, The Independent reported.If the FA chooses to formally investigate, it is likely to focus on FA Rule E3.1, which covers general conduct.The rules state: “Participants shall act in the best interests of the game at all times and shall not behave in any manner inappropriate or bring the game into disrepute or use any form or combinations of violent, serious foul play, threatening, abusive, indecent or insulting words or behavior.”Rule E3.2 states that a breach of Rule E3.1 will be considered a “serious breach” which includes any explicit or implicit reference to any one or more of the following – national origin, colour, race, national origin, religion or belief, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation or disability.Ratcliffe, as a co-owner of the club, must abide by FA rules as a participant.Football anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out has condemned the comments, saying in a statement to PA: “Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s comments are disgraceful and deeply divisive at a time when football does so much to unite communities.”“Apart from the inaccurate figures mentioned, it is worth reminding him that United have a diverse fan base and play in a city whose cultural history is rich in immigration.“This type of language and leadership has no place in English football and we believe the majority of fans will feel the same way.”
