Mar 1 • 15:30 UTC 🇶🇦 Qatar Al Jazeera

"Manchester United was made by immigrants".. Fans of the "Red Devils" turn the tables on the club's owner

Manchester United fans responded to controversial comments made by owner Jim Ratcliffe on immigration by displaying a banner celebrating the contributions of foreign players during a recent match.

During a recent Premier League match, Manchester United fans took a stand against club owner Jim Ratcliffe's controversial comments regarding immigration. They displayed a banner that read, "Manchester United was made by immigrants with pride," likely referencing Ratcliffe's earlier remarks that Britain had been 'colonized by immigrants'. This display coincided with the team's win over Crystal Palace, highlighting the fans' solidarity in defending the club's rich history of diverse players.

The banner not only addressed Ratcliffe's remarks but also featured images of beloved foreign players from the club's past and present, such as Eric Cantona, Patrice Evra, Park Ji-sung, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, current captain Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, and Amad Diallo. This was a clear message to Ratcliffe, who has since retracted his comments and apologized for any offense caused, acknowledging the backlash from fans and political figures alike, including opposition leader Keir Starmer.

The incident underlines the ongoing tensions regarding immigration discourse in the UK, especially in relation to football, where the contributions of foreign players have been integral to the success and identity of clubs like Manchester United. Fans' strong reaction not only reinforced their pride in the club's multicultural legacy but also underscored their expectations for how ownership should engage with such sensitive topics in the future.

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