Manchester United supporters displayed a provocative banner at Old Trafford, directly challenging co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s recent remarks on immigration during their 2-1 comeback victory over Crystal Palace.

The Banner Protest

The banner, reading ‘MUFC proudly colonised by immigrants’ and adorned with images of foreign players, appeared above the tunnel. It highlights the irony, as United fields 18 players from outside the UK this season. Ratcliffe himself resides primarily in Monaco, avoiding significant UK tax obligations.

Ratcliffe’s Controversial Statements

Speaking at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, Ratcliffe described the UK as ‘colonised by immigrants,’ linking it to economic strains like nine million people on benefits. He told Sky News: ‘You can’t have an economy with nine million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in. I mean, the UK has been colonised by immigrants, really, hasn’t it? It’s costing too much money.’

Ratcliffe criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer for being too lenient and praised Reform leader Nigel Farage as ‘an intelligent man’ with ‘good intentions.’ He drew parallels to his United tenure: ‘If you really want to deal with the major issues of immigration… you’re going to have to do some things which are unpopular, and show some courage.’

Criticism from Fans and Officials

Fan group The ’58 labeled Ratcliffe ‘a total embarrassment,’ questioning his club improvements amid job cuts, ticketing changes, and a proposed £2 billion stadium. They noted: ‘Commenting on the issues of our country while living in Monaco to avoid paying tax is bad enough… He’s unpopular with fans and that is an understatement.’

The Manchester United Supporters’ Trust decried the divisive comments, while Kick It Out called them ‘disgraceful.’ The Manchester United Muslim Supporters’ Club accused him of fueling far-right hate and deepening divisions.

Prime Minister Starmer demanded an apology, deeming the remarks ‘offensive and wrong.’ Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, involved in stadium plans, described them as ‘inaccurate, insulting and inflammatory.’

United’s On-Field Success

The protest coincided with United climbing to third place after overturning a deficit against Palace. Interim manager Michael Carrick’s form draws mixed views, with The ’58 attributing it to luck rather than strategy.