General · 12 February 2026
United owner sorry for saying immigrants colonised Britain
Sir Jim Ratcliffe issued an apology after claiming the nation had been "colonised" by foreign arrivals. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer labelled the original statement offensive, whilst official data contradicts Ratcliffe's population claims. The Football Association is currently assessing whether these remarks brought the game into disrepute under its rules. Manchester United emphasised their commitment to diversity without directly mentioning the co-owner’s specific words.
Reported by BBC · How we write briefs