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Jim Ratcliffe sparked controversy by saying \u2018the UK has been colonised by immigrants\u2019 (Lucy North\/PA)<\/p>\nManchester United said the club takes pride in being \u201cinclusive and welcoming\u201d following co-owner\u00a0 Jim Ratcliffe\u2019s claim that the UK has been \u201ccolonised by immigrants\u201d.<\/p>\n
Ratcliffe said he was sorry if he had \u201coffended some people\u201d for his remarks in a Sky News interview on Wednesday, which were heavily criticised by British Prime Minister\u00a0 Keir Starmer and the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham.<\/p>\n
The Press Association understands Ratcliffe\u2019s claims will also be examined by the Football Association to see whether they brought the game into disrepute, while on Thursday afternoon the Premier League club issued a statement defending their inclusion policy<\/p>\n
It read: \u201cManchester United prides itself on being an inclusive and welcoming club.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur diverse group of players, staff and global community of supporters, reflect the history and heritage of Manchester; a city that anyone can call home.<\/p>\n
\u201cSince launching All Red All Equal in 2016, we have embedded equality, diversity and inclusion into everything we do.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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\u2019s Advanced Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Standard.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim Ratcliffe sparked controversy by saying \u2018the UK has been colonised by immigrants\u2019 (Lucy North\/PA)<\/p>\n
United said they have held events this season to support \u201cmental health, LGBTQ+ inclusion, No Room for Racism, violence against women and girls and homophobic chanting\u201d.<\/p>\n
The club added: \u201cIn the weeks and months ahead, we will be supporting further initiatives in these areas.\u201d<\/p>\n
Earlier on Thursday, Ratcliffe said in a statement: \u201cI 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy comments were made while answering questions about UK policy at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, where I was discussing the importance of economic growth, jobs, skills and manufacturing in the UK.<\/p>\n
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Jim Ratcliffe said he was sorry that his \u2018choice of language has offended some people\u2019 (Mike Egerton\/PA)<\/p>\n
\u201cMy intention was to stress that governments must manage migration alongside investment in skills, industry and jobs so that long-term prosperity is shared by everyone. It is critical that we maintain an open debate on the challenges facing the UK.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ratcliffe told Sky News on Wednesday: \u201cYou can\u2019t have an economy with nine million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in.<\/p>\n
\u201cI mean, the UK is being colonised. It\u2019s costing too much money. The UK has been colonised by immigrants.\u201d<\/p>\n
PA understands the FA will also look at the comments to ascertain whether they breached its regulations.<\/p>\n