England rugby star Maro Itoje was asked for his response to comments made by Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe when he said the UK had been ‘colonised by immigrants’
08:28, 14 Feb 2026Updated 08:34, 14 Feb 2026
Sir Jim Ratcliffe(Image: (James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images))
England rugby union captain Maro Itoje has labelled Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s comments about immigration in the UK ‘ridiculous’ and criticised the phrasing and accuracy of his remarks. Ratcliffe sparked controversy earlier this week by claiming the UK had been ‘colonised’ by immigrants.
In an interview with Sky News, he said: “I mean, the UK has been colonised. It’s costing too much money. The UK has been colonised by immigrants, really, hasn’t it?”
The billionaire co-owner of Manchester United had faced criticism from Sir Keir Starmer, who described his comments on Wednesday as ‘offensive and wrong’. And although he’s apologised for ‘offending some people’ with his language, Itoje did not hold back when asked about Ratcliffe’s opinion on the eve of his side’s Calcutta Cup showdown against Scotland at Murrayfield.
He said: “Obviously I don’t condone the language he used. I was born in this country of Nigerian descent and I think it’s ridiculous to say Great Britain has been colonised by immigrants because that is so far from the truth. I think it’s wrong.”
In his apology, Ratcliffe said: “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.”
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While United distanced themselves from the remarks made by the billionaire. A club statement read: “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.
“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.
Manchester United have reacted to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s comments on immigration(Image: PA)
“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’ Association’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.
“This all sits alongside the incredible work which the Manchester United Foundation undertakes in and around Manchester on a daily basis.
“Manchester United reflects the unity and resilience of all the communities we are so privileged to represent. We will continue to represent our people, our city and our fans with purpose and pride.”
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