Manchester United have said they “pride” themselves “on being an inclusive and welcoming club” hours after the club’s co-owner described the UK as being “colonised” by immigrants.
The club released a statement emphasising the club’s inclusiveness and diversity on a day during which politicians continued to criticise Sir Jim Ratcliffe for his comments.
The founder of the INEOS chemicals group, who is also one of the club’s owners, today said he was “sorry” for his words, after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer last night called on him to apologise.
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The club’s statement didn’t refer directly to Sir Jim’s words, or the prime minister’s criticism, but said: “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.
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“We remain deeply committed to the principles and spirit of that campaign. They are reflected in our policies but also in our culture and are reinforced by our holding of the Premier League’s Advanced Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Standard.
“We will continue to represent our people, our city and our fans with purpose and pride.
“Over the course of this season, we have participated in events and initiatives at our men’s and women’s games marking mental health, LGBTQ+ inclusion, No Room for Racism, violence against women and girls and homophobic chanting.
“We have also celebrated our supporters’ clubs’ events, including our Disabled Supporters’ Assocation’s Christmas Party and our Jewish Supporters’ Club’s Chanukah event.
“In the weeks and months ahead, we will be supporting further initiatives in these areas.”
Speaking to Sky News presenter Matt Barbet, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said that while Sir Jim apologised for his use of the word colonising, he was “correct” to make his statement.
He said: “Let’s work out what’s non-controversial. What’s non-controversial is an explosion in the population without the financial compensation to make people’s lives better.”
It comes as the Football Association’s chief executive confirmed the governing body is looking into Sir Jim’s comments to see if he has breached any rules.
Speaking at the UEFA Congress in Brussels, Mark Bullingham said: “I can’t comment too much on that. Obviously, it’s a matter that our legal and regulation team are working to.
“If it goes into a process then I can’t pass comment.”
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If the FA were to launch a formal investigation, it would be focused on Rule E3.1, with breaches usually leading to a fine.
The rule states: “A participant shall at all times act in the best interests of the game and shall not act in any manner which is improper or brings the game into disrepute or use anyone, or a combination of, violent conduct, serious foul play, threatening, abusive, indecent or insulting words or behaviour.”
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