Gary Lineker criticises Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s immigration comments
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, reports BritPanorama.
The former Tottenham striker and ex-Match of the Day host accused 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, 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 his intention had been to encourage open debate about long-term prosperity.
However, Lineker, speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, delivered a scathing response. “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.”
Lineker noted that many migrants contribute significantly to the economy, stating, “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.”
He further questioned Ratcliffe’s ability to comment on immigration given that he is one of Manchester United’s owners, a club that has numerous 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,” Lineker added.
Lineker’s remarks reflect a broader sentiment expressed by many Manchester United supporters, some of whom have shared disappointment regarding Ratcliffe’s comments. The row comes at a delicate time for Ratcliffe, who has already established himself as a controversial figure at Old Trafford, where his ambitious plan to build a new 100,000-seat stadium has faced scrutiny due to sweeping cost-cutting measures affecting staff and unsettling supporters.
Since acquiring his stake in United, the club has struggled, and Ratcliffe is currently seeking a permanent replacement for Ruben Amorim, who was sacked in January after a dismal 1-1 draw with Leeds, with notable candidates including Thomas Tuchel and Carlo Ancelotti having committed their futures to England and Brazil, respectively.
As the discourse unfolds, it highlights the complexities surrounding immigration debates in the context of sports ownership and the perceptions of public figures in the UK. How the narrative develops will undoubtedly have implications beyond the football pitch, underscoring the intertwined nature of societal issues and the world of sport.
