5 hours ago
7
In response to the billionaire industrialist and Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe’s historically, economically and culturally illiterate and deeply offensive remark that “the UK is being colonised by immigrants”, it was fitting that he should be rebuked, albeit only implicitly, in a statement issued by the football club amid a tsunami of condemnation from politicians, club supporters and anti-racist groups (Jim Ratcliffe apologises for ‘choice of language’ after saying immigrants ‘colonising’ UK, 12 February).
Quite rightly, Ratcliffe’s words are now being investigated by the Football Association. As a lifelong Manchester United fan, I have no doubt that Ratcliffe has brought the game into disrepute and sullied the club’s reputation. His vile comments constitute a failure of moral leadership and a betrayal of the club’s proud and pivotal role in the anti-racism work of Kick It Out, making him wholly unfit to be co-owner of a club with an unparalleled global fanbase, including in Africa and Asia.
In his memoir, poignantly titled Belonging, the late Herman Ouseley, founder of the Let’s Kick Racism Out of Football campaign in 1993, wrote candidly about the stonewalling and deeply entrenched resistance he encountered from many club owners over racism. Without the moral leadership, courage and tenacity shown by Lord Ouseley, the chair of the Commission for Racial Equality, the campaign may never have got off the ground, let alone developed into a model replicated globally. As a board member of the Manchester United Foundation, Lord Ouseley was supported by the club’s then legendary manager, Alex Ferguson, who will also find Ratcliffe’s remarks repugnant.
Simon Bird
Doctoral researcher, King’s College London
Jim Ratcliffe’s comments on immigration were offensive and misleading. What was most troubling was the language used, which carried an echo of a colonial mindset, reducing certain groups to problems to be managed rather than people with equal dignity. Given Britain’s history, we should be particularly wary of rhetoric that devalues those who come here from former colonies, often to fill roles this country urgently needs.
The reality is that Britain has long depended on overseas workers to sustain essential public services. The NHS, in particular, was built, and continues to function, because doctors, nurses and carers from abroad have filled chronic shortages. Many did not simply “take” from Britain; they helped to build it.
Inflammatory language of this kind risks worsening staff shortages in healthcare and other vital sectors, while contributing nothing to a serious debate. If immigration is to be discussed honestly, it should begin with facts, fairness and perspective, not scapegoating.
Dr Arun Midha
Swansea
The comments by Jim Ratcliffe are not only offensive and harmful but blatantly incorrect, and will stir further hate and division. Working with organisations such as Show Racism the Red Card, Migrant Voice has – as part of the “Migration. Making Britain Great” campaign – highlighted that the diversity of the Premier League, and migrants playing in it, is a strength that is reflected in Britain’s communities.
Immigration doesn’t undermine a country’s character; it enhances it. British culture, including football, is based on migration, on adapting and evolving to new ideas. That is something to be celebrated, not condemned.
Nazek Ramadan
Director, Migrant Voice
