Gary Lineker launches stinging attack on Sir Jim Ratcliffe after Man Utd chief’s comments on immigration
Gary Lineker has launched a blistering attack on Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe after the billionaire’s explosive remarks about immigration sparked fury across Britain.
The former Tottenham striker and ex-Match of the Day host did not hold back, accusing Ratcliffe of hypocrisy following comments in which the INEOS chief claimed the UK had been “colonised” by immigrants.
The remarks, delivered during a Sky News interview after a European industry summit, prompted political backlash and calls for an apology from Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Ratcliffe, who purchased a 27.7 per cent stake in Manchester United in February 2024 and assumed control of football operations from the Glazer family, later expressed regret over his wording.
He insisted he had merely been addressing economic policy and the need for governments to balance migration with investment in skills, industry and jobs.
The 71-year-old said he was sorry that his choice of language had offended people in the UK and Europe, stressing that his intention had been to encourage open debate about long-term prosperity.
But Lineker, speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, delivered a scathing response.
Gary Lineker has launched a blistering attack on Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe after the billionaire’s explosive remarks about immigration sparked fury across Britain
|
RESTISFOOTBALL/PA
“The hypocrisy really – the guy’s a migrant himself, an economic migrant [because] he lives in Monaco,” he said.
“You can have a gripe all you like, but at least be here, pay tax and contribute to our society.
“I would say a lot of these migrants who come in contribute enormously and facts show you that in terms of revenue and paid tax.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe made a series of controversial statements on immigration before apologising
|
GETTY“Whereas, Jim out there, in Monaco, is doing everything he can to avoid paying tax.”
Lineker added: “Also, you’re one of the owners of Manchester United, a club that has a lot of players from overseas.
“When he’s talking about colonised with immigrants, is it OK that you’re a white person living abroad, not a brown or black person? I don’t know, only he can answer that question.
“Lots and lots of my friends who support United have come on and said similar things to what I’m saying now, they’re very disappointed.
“Look at the story of [how] Amad has ended up here. So I find it deeply concerning that an owner of a football club can say that sort of thing. Anyway, we’ll move on.”
The row comes at a delicate time for Ratcliffe, who is already a divisive figure at Old Trafford.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is in charge of football operations at Manchester United
|
PAHis ambitious proposal to build a new 100,000-seat stadium has been overshadowed by sweeping cost-cutting measures that have impacted staff and unsettled supporters.
Ratcliffe, since buying into United, has seen the fallen giants struggle.
He is currently on the lookout for a permanent replacement for Ruben Amorim, who was sacked in January after a 1-1 draw with Leeds.
Thomas Tuchel and Carlo Ancelotti, two frontrunners for the job, have committed their futures to England and Brazil in recent days.
