Pro-Banner Display During Victory Over Crystal Palace
Manchester United supporters unfurled a provocative banner at Old Trafford reading ‘MUFC proudly colonised by immigrants,’ featuring images of foreign players above the tunnel. The display appeared during the team’s 2-1 comeback win against Crystal Palace on Sunday, propelling United to third place in the standings.
Ratcliffe’s Controversial Remarks Spark Backlash
The banner directly responds to co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s recent statement at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, where he described the UK as having been ‘colonised by immigrants.’ Ratcliffe, who primarily resides in Monaco, highlighted economic strains, stating, ‘You can’t have an economy with nine million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in. The UK has been colonised by immigrants, really, hasn’t it? It’s costing too much money.’
He criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer for being too lenient on key issues and praised Reform leader Nigel Farage as ‘an intelligent man’ with ‘good intentions’ after meeting him. Comparing national challenges to club management, Ratcliffe noted, ‘If you really want to deal with the major issues of immigration, with people opting to take benefits rather than working for a living, then you’re going to have to do some things which are unpopular, and show some courage.’
Fan Groups and Officials Condemn Statements
The protest underscores irony, as United fielded 18 players from outside the UK this season. Fan organization The ’58 labeled Ratcliffe ‘a total embarrassment,’ questioning his club improvements amid job cuts, ticketing changes, and a proposed £2 billion stadium to replace Old Trafford. They criticized his Monaco residency for tax avoidance and recent managerial shifts, including sacking Ruben Amorim and appointing Michael Carrick as interim.
The Manchester United Supporters’ Trust decried the comments’ divisive impact. Anti-racism group Kick It Out called them ‘disgraceful,’ while the Manchester United Muslim Supporters’ Club accused Ratcliffe of fueling far-right hate and legitimizing prejudice.
Prime Minister Starmer demanded an apology, deeming the remarks ‘offensive and wrong.’ Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, involved in stadium discussions, described them as ‘inaccurate, insulting and inflammatory.’
