Earlier this week, Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe sparked controversy after claiming that the UK had been “colonised” by immigrants.
He used figures to support his argument. Those numbers were later criticised as inaccurate. The reaction was immediate. Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham criticised the comments.
Meanwhile, the Manchester United Muslim Supporters’ Club also voiced concern. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage backed Ratcliffe, and the debate intensified.
Ratcliffe later issued an apology if anyone felt offended by his choice of language. Still, that apology did little to calm the wider discussion.
Now, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has offered his own view. He was asked about the situation during a press conference.
Guardiola first acknowledged Ratcliffe’s apology. However, he then made his position clear. He said (via Manchester Evening News):
“I have a huge appreciation for Sir Jim, I was fortunate to meet him. He made a statement after to apologise.
“I’m not commenting on what Sir Jim Ratcliffe said because after that he said what exactly he wanted to say but all around the world the problem that we have in all the countries.”
After that, he addressed the wider issue directly. Guardiola said:
“We treat immigrants or people who come from other countries as the problem for problems that our countries have and it is a big, big, big, big, big problem”
The Manchester City boss pointed to identity and background as matters of chance rather than choice. He explained:
“The fact that I am a Catalan and you are British – what influence did we have on where we were born? It was mum and dad.”
Moreover, he stressed that most people move for opportunity and safety, not preference. Guardiola said:
“Most people are running away from countries because of problems in their countries, not because they want to leave.”
In a week dominated by headlines away from the pitch, Pep Guardiola chose to speak clearly.
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