Man United Muslim Supporters Demand Ratcliffe and Glazers Exit
Manchester United Muslim Supporters’ Club has demanded the departure of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family, saying the INEOS co-owner’s renewed comments on immigration are incompatible with the club’s identity and have compounded supporters’ concerns during a difficult start to the season.
Supporters’ group challenges Ratcliffe’s remarks
Ratcliffe, 73, revisited his views on immigration in the BBC programme Big Boss, months after describing the United Kingdom as having been “colonised by immigrants” in February. He later apologised for language that had caused offence, but the Monaco-based businessman has now again linked immigration and welfare benefits to what he sees as the country’s decline.
In the interview, Ratcliffe referred to Britain’s imperial history and its role in the two world wars before arguing that the UK was “on the slide”. He said political leaders were not sufficiently firm in addressing immigration or the benefits system, adding that action was needed.
The Muslim Supporters’ Club said it had hoped Ratcliffe’s earlier apology signalled a change in approach. Instead, it described his latest intervention as “deeply disappointing” and “completely unacceptable”.
Diversity placed at centre of United’s identity
In a statement of around 750 words, the group argued that Manchester United is shaped by people from a wide range of nations, faiths, cultures and ethnic backgrounds. It pointed to the club’s players, employees, matchday stewards, security staff and supporters as evidence that diversity is fundamental rather than divisive.
The group said United should not be defined emotionally by investment vehicles, shareholders or wealthy owners, but by generations of families who have supported the club and will pass that attachment on to their children.
Its message was that the dispute went beyond a single result, manager or campaign. The statement instead questioned the club’s leadership, direction and wider identity after what it called years of decline, unfulfilled commitments and repeated setbacks.
- In February, Ratcliffe said the UK had been “colonised by immigrants”.
- He apologised if those words had offended people.
- During the BBC’s Big Boss interview, Ratcliffe again cited immigration and benefits as major problems facing Britain.
- Manchester United Muslim Supporters’ Club responded by withdrawing confidence in the present ownership arrangement and calling for Ratcliffe and the Glazers to leave.
On-pitch difficulties add to the mood around Old Trafford
The statement arrives while United are already under pressure on the field. The club have lost two Premier League matches this season and were eliminated from the Carabao Cup at their first tie by Brighton in midweek.
Before last week’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester City, supporters protested against the ownership with a banner stating: “the way you treat us is a disgrace”. Ratcliffe’s latest immigration comments have now sharpened the criticism from one organised section of the fanbase.
Key takeaways
- Manchester United Muslim Supporters’ Club has called for both the Glazers and Ratcliffe to leave the club.
- The group believes Ratcliffe failed to learn from the reaction to his February language on immigration.
- Its statement presents United’s multicultural support, workforce and playing community as central to the club’s character.
- The ownership criticism comes after two league defeats and a Carabao Cup exit to Brighton.
