In one of the most explosive controversies involving a Premier League club owner in recent memory, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the billionaire co-owner of Manchester United, has been forced to issue a public apology after claiming that the United Kingdom has been "colonised by immigrants." The remarks, made on Wednesday, February 12, 2026, ignited a firestorm that reached all the way to Downing Street — and left Manchester United scrambling to distance itself from its own co-owner.

Here is everything you need to know about what was said, who responded — from Keir Starmer to Andy Burnham — and what comes next for one of football's most powerful figures.

What Did Jim Ratcliffe Actually Say?

Ratcliffe made his inflammatory remarks during an interview with Sky News on the sidelines of the European Industry Summit in Antwerp. Speaking on the state of the British economy, Ratcliffe said:

“You can't have an economy with 9 million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in. I mean, the UK has been colonised. It's costing too much money. The UK has been colonised by immigrants, really, hasn't it?”
— Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Sky News, 12 Feb 2026

He went on to claim that the UK's population had jumped from 58 million in 2020 to 70 million — a rise of 12 million people — attributing the growth largely to immigration. He also compared the challenges of running the country to his experience at the helm of Manchester United, suggesting that politicians need to be willing to "do unpopular things".

The Apology: What Ratcliffe Said, and Why Many Weren't Satisfied

Under intense public pressure — including a demand from the UK Prime Minister — Ratcliffe released a written statement on Thursday, February 13, 2026, stating:

“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 that supports economic growth.”

— Jim Ratcliffe, official apology, 13 Feb 2026

However, critics pointed out that Ratcliffe expressed regret for the language he used rather than the sentiment behind it — a distinction that proved significant for Manchester United Muslim Supporters Club (MUMSC), Kick It Out, and others who rejected the apology outright.

Keir Starmer Steps In: "Offensive and Wrong"

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer issued a direct rebuke on social media: “Offensive and wrong. Britain is a proud, tolerant and diverse country. Jim Ratcliffe should apologise.” Downing Street added that Ratcliffe's comments "play into the hands of those who want to divide our country." Meanwhile, Nigel Farage (Reform UK) voiced agreement, while Ed Davey called the comments "totally out of step with British values."

THE FACTS vs. RATCLIFFE'S CLAIMS

Ratcliffe stated: UK population from 58M (2020) to 70M — +12M. ONS real data: 66.7M (mid-2020) → 69.4M (mid-2025). Realistic increase: ~2.7M. Kick It Out slammed "inaccurate figures" and "deeply divisive" comments. This factual discrepancy undercuts his argument and dominates the UK immigration debate football angle.

Manchester United Fans React: Anger, Protests, and Divided Opinion

MUST

"The club belongs to all supporters. Comments should make inclusion easier, not harder."

Stretford Sikhs

"Dangerous and divisive. Language alienates communities who built Manchester."

MUMSC

"‘Colonised’ echoes far-right. Regret ≠ accountability." – rejected apology.

The 1958

"Lives in Monaco to avoid tax, criticises immigrants? Total embarrassment."

Protest before Man United vs Fulham directly targeted Ratcliffe alongside Glazers. Manchester United news 2026 now dominated by this off-pitch crisis.

Manchester United's Official Club Statement

“Manchester United prides itself on being an inclusive and welcoming club. Our diverse group of players, staff and global community of supporters reflect the history and heritage of Manchester — a city that anyone can call home. Since launching All Red All Equal in 2016, we have embedded equality, diversity and inclusion into everything we do.”

— Club statement (Ratcliffe not mentioned by name).

Andy Burnham: "Against Everything Manchester Stands For"

Mayor Andy Burnham, working with Ratcliffe on Old Trafford regeneration, called remarks "inaccurate, insulting and inflammatory." Burnham: "These comments go against everything Manchester has traditionally stood for." The tension threatens the £multi-million stadium project.

Could the FA Take Action Against Ratcliffe?

The English Football Association (FA) is reviewing the interview under FA Rule E3.1 (bringing the game into disrepute). Kick It Out stated: "This type of language has no place in English football." If charged, Ratcliffe could face fines or warning – unprecedented for a club owner. FA investigation Ratcliffe is now a top football news story.

The Broader Context: Football, Wealth, and Political Responsibility

Ratcliffe, worth £17bn, relocated to Monaco in 2020 – paying no UK income/capital gains tax. His firm INEOS accepted £120m UK government support (Dec 2025) for Grangemouth. Critics call out the contradiction: avoiding UK tax, taking state aid, then attacking immigration costs. The Jim Ratcliffe INEOS tax status fuels the backlash.

What Happens Next?

  • FA investigation – decision on Rule E3.1 breach imminent.
  • Ratcliffe-Burnham relationship strained – Old Trafford regeneration uncertain.
  • Fan groups continue pressure for full retraction, not just apology for language.
  • Political fallout grows; Keir Starmer Jim Ratcliffe clash may resurface in PMQs.
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Final Thoughts: A Controversy That Goes Beyond Football

This is a story about language and power. Ratcliffe insists his intention was to call for managed immigration policy. But the Prime Minister, the Mayor of Manchester, and thousands of United supporters heard something else. Football is a unifying force — Manchester United's brand is inclusion. Sir Jim Ratcliffe's comments, and the inadequate apology, have put that identity under serious strain.