Just one word from Manchester United's owner, "Britain is because of immigrants..." The aftermath is unusual

*This content was translated by AI.

The aftermath of the Manchester United owner's remarks is unusual. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, 74, has faced fierce criticism from the football and political circles over his remarks on immigrants.

British media 'BBC' said on the 17th (Korea Standard Time), "owner Ratcliffe's remarks have even sparked condemnation from the British government," adding, "The situation is getting serious, with the possibility of disciplinary action by the English Football Association (FA)."

Ratcliffe's comments went viral. According to reports from multiple British media outlets, including the BBC, owner Ratcliffe said Britain was "colonized by immigrants."

As the situation grew, the Manchester United club made an unusual statement emphasizing "inclusive and welcoming values" to distance itself from owner Ratcliffe's remarks. In the statement, Manchester United did not directly specify the owner of Ratcliffe, but it is interpreted as the club's intention to draw a line from his remarks.

For now, owner Ratcliffe later said, "I apologize for the inconvenience and concern my language choices have caused some people," but insisted, "It is important to raise the issue of managed immigration that supports economic growth."

The controversy is expected to seriously disrupt Manchester United's commercial operation and plans for a new 100,000-seat stadium. According to a source from the 'BBC', the majority shareholder, the Glazer family, said, "We are concerned that the remarks will undermine the club's brand value and adversely affect the attraction of sponsors. I feel a sense of fear," he said. In fact, the Glazers are also known to be descendants of Jewish immigrants.

It is on the verge of a series of bad news. In fact, Manchester United is experiencing commercial difficulties, with its training suit sponsor and shirt sleeve sponsor contracts ahead of expiration. In addition, the contract profit with Adidas has also decreased by 10 million pounds (about 20 billion won) due to the failure to advance to the UEFA Champions League (UCL).

In particular, officials from the Old Trafford infrastructure construction project, which requires government funding and political cooperation, warned that "substantial damage has occurred." Negotiations have become more difficult as politicians who have supported the project, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Treasury Secretary Rachel Reeves and Mayor Andy Burnham, have all joined the criticism.

Fans are also angry. The Manchester United Supporters Trust strongly criticized the club's leadership for undermining inclusion. Even Manchester United Muslim Supporters Club demanded a direct interview, saying, "The apology from owner Ratcliffe is not enough." The anti-discrimination organization Kick It Out also added, "We have received a number of reports regarding this remark."

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*This content was translated by AI.