England rugby captain Itoje slams Ratcliffe's 'ridiculous' immigration comments

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England rugby captain Itoje slams Ratcliffe's 'ridiculous' immigration comments

ECONOMY 13.02.2026

England rugby captain Itoje slams Ratcliffe's 'ridiculous' immigration comments / Photo: © AFP

England rugby union captain Maro Itoje has labelled Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe's controversial comments about immigration as "ridiculous" and "wrong".

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Ratcliffe was forced to apologise for "offending some people" this week after claiming that Britain had been "colonised" by immigrants.

The British billionaire insisted that "open debate" on the issue was needed.

But Itoje -- the son of Nigerian parents -- insisted Ratcliffe's remarks were "so far from the truth".

The 31-year-old lock is set to return to England's starting side for the Calcutta Cup clash against Scotland and Itoje, speaking ahead of Saturday's match in Edinburgh, said: "Obviously I don't condone the language that he used. I think, if I have read correctly, he has apologised for his comments.

"I am of Nigerian descent. I was born in this country but of Nigerian descent, and I think it's ridiculous to say that Great Britain has been colonised by immigrants, because that is so far from the truth. So, yes, I think it's wrong."

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who insisted he had a "huge appreciation" for Ratcliffe and was not commenting directly on his remarks, said the way countries treat immigrants remains a "big problem" that requires empathy to resolve.

"All around the world the problem that we have in all the countries is that 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."

Guardiola's world view was formed during his much-travelled football life.

He was born in the Catalan region of Spain and also lived in Italy, Qatar and Mexico during his playing career.

The 55-year-old has had spells in Spain, Germany and England during his glittering managerial career.

"It doesn't make me feel that because I am Catalan I am better than you," said Guardiola ahead of City's FA Cup fourth round tie against Salford this weekend.

"My education when I was born and travelled in Mexico and Qatar or lived in Italy or England or Germany, that is just the benefit of my personality.

"Most people are running away from countries because of problems in their countries, not because they want to leave. As much as we embrace other cultures -- truly, truly embrace it -- that will be a better society."

Ratcliffe's comments in a Sky News interview on Wednesday were heavily criticised by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham.

They could yet lead England's governing Football Association to charge the 73-year-old Ratcliffe with bringing the game into disrepute.

Manchester United have yet to comment direcly on Ratcliffe's remarks but they issued a statement Thursday saying the club takes pride in being "inclusive and welcoming".

I.Paterson--TNT

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The National Times - England rugby captain Itoje slams Ratcliffe's 'ridiculous' immigration comments