Sir Jim Ratcliffe has sparked widespread condemnation after declaring that the UK is "being colonised by immigrants" during a Sky News interview on Wednesday.
The Manchester United co-owner, who heads the chemical giant Ineos, argued that Britain was overspending on immigration and criticised the Prime Minister for being "too nice" to tackle difficult economic challenges.
"You can't have an economy with nine million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in," the billionaire stated.
"The UK has been colonised by immigrants."
TRENDING
Stories
Videos
Your Say
The 1958 Group, United's leading supporters' organisation, branded the Oldham-born businessman a "total embarrassment" and described his remarks as "very ill-advised," questioning why someone residing in Monaco to avoid UK taxation should comment on national affairs.
Downing Street responded swiftly, demanding that Sir Jim apologise without delay for his remarks.
A Number 10 spokesperson stated: "Jim Ratcliffe should immediately apologise. His offensive remarks are wrong and play into the hands of those who want to divide our country."
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has sparked widespread condemnation after declaring that the UK is "being colonised by immigrants" during a Sky News interview on Wednesday
|GETTY
The Prime Minister personally weighed in on the controversy, characterising the businessman's comments as "offensive" and urging him to say sorry.
The government's intervention underscores the severity with which Westminster views the billionaire's language, with officials warning that such rhetoric serves only to embolden those seeking to create divisions within British society.
Sir Jim has yet to respond publicly to the calls for an apology.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Sir Jim Ratcliffe bought a minority stake in Man Utd back in late 2023
| GETTYFootball's anti-discrimination body Kick It Out issued a scathing response, labelling Sir Jim's comments "disgraceful and deeply divisive at a time when football does so much to bring communities together."
The organisation also challenged the accuracy of his claim that Britain's population had grown by 12 million since 2020, reminding the businessman that United boast a diverse fanbase in a city whose cultural heritage has been shaped by immigration.
Show Racism the Red Card, the country's foremost anti-racism educational charity, warned that such language "echoes narratives that have historically been used to stigmatise migrant communities, fuel division, and legitimise hostility toward minority groups."
The charity highlighted concerns about rising hate crime, urging public figures to recognise the consequences of their words.
The Manchester United Muslim Supporters Club expressed deep concern over Sir Jim's language, stating it echoes rhetoric "frequently used in far-right narratives that frame migrants as invaders and demographic threats."
Sir Keir Starmer called on Sir Jim Ratcliffe to apologise | X / KEIR STARMERKick It Out emphasised that "this type of language and leadership has no place in English football," adding that most supporters would share this view.
The businessman acquired a minority stake in the club in late 2023, with his Ineos group subsequently assuming control of football operations.
His tenure has already proved contentious among fans, with ticket pricing and availability generating significant anger.
A protest targeting the club's ownership, including Sir Jim alongside the Glazers, was held before United's recent home fixture against Fulham.