Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the billionaire petrochemicals tycoon and Manchester United co-owner, has issued a public apology after his claim that the UK is being "colonised" by immigrants ignited a firestorm of condemnation. Facing backlash from the Prime Minister, football bodies, and the public, Ratcliffe walked back his "choice of language," though he stopped short of retracting his views on immigration policy.

The controversy erupted after Ratcliffe, speaking to Sky News, utilized inflammatory rhetoric to criticize the UK’s economic and border policies. "I mean, the UK is being colonised. It`s costing too much money," he said, citing inaccurate population statistics to support his argument. The comment, perceived by many as adopting the language of the far-right, drew immediate censure from Downing Street.

The Backlash and the Apology

Prime Minister Keir Starmer labelled the remarks "offensive and wrong," while Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham called them "insulting" to the diverse city Ratcliffe’s football club calls home. Under mounting pressure, Ineos released a statement on Thursday.

"I am sorry that my choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe and caused concern," Ratcliffe said. "But it is important to raise the issue of controlled and well-managed immigration that supports economic growth."

Critics argue the apology is a "non-apology," focusing on the offense taken rather than the inaccuracy and harm of the statement itself. "He is sorry you were offended, not sorry he said it," remarked a commentator on LBC radio.

• The Hypocrisy Charge: Many pointed out the irony of Ratcliffe, a tax exile living in Monaco, complaining about people entering the UK.
• Football Fallout: Kick It Out, the anti-racism organization, described the comments as "disgraceful and deeply divisive," warning they have no place in football.
• Political Context: The row comes as the Labour government attempts to navigate a complex conversation on migration without succumbing to populist rhetoric.

Damage Control at Old Trafford

For Manchester United, a global brand built on diversity, the co-owner’s comments are a PR nightmare. The club has a massive following in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, and associating its leadership with anti-immigrant sentiment risks alienating millions of fans.

Ratcliffe may hope the news cycle moves on, but the label of "out of touch" is likely to stick. In a Britain that is increasingly sensitive to the nuances of language and belonging, Sir Jim has scored a spectacular own goal.