Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 1, 2026
2 min readLast updated: April 2, 2026
Add as preferred source on GoogleIn response to Manchester United co‑owner Jim Ratcliffe’s comments that Britain had been “colonised by immigrants,” fans in the Stretford End unfurled a banner reading “MUFC proudly colonised by immigrants,” featuring iconic foreign players—celebrating diversity while the team staged a comeback win
By Lori Ewing
MANCHESTER, March 1 (Reuters) - Manchester United supporters delivered a pointed response to minority owner Jim Ratcliffe's immigration comments, unfurling a banner celebrating the club's foreign players during Sunday's 2-1 Premier League victory over Crystal Palace.
The Stretford End displayed a banner reading "MUFC proudly colonised by immigrants" - a clever riposte to Ratcliffe's remark last month that Britain had been "colonised by immigrants".
The billionaire has since apologised, saying he was sorry he had caused offence with his comments that even drew a rebuke from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
United fans showcased images of beloved foreign players past and present, including France's Eric Cantona and Patrice Evra, South Korean midfielder Park Ji-sung, Norway's Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, current captain Bruno Fernandes, Brazil's Casemiro and Ivorian Amad Diallo.
The banner proved apt as Fernandes helped inspire United's comeback win at Old Trafford, converting a penalty before the Portuguese midfielder provided an assist for Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko's winning header.
The victory lifted United to third in the Premier League table, with their foreign players once again proving their worth on the pitch while fans made their feelings crystal clear in the stands.
(Reporting by Lori Ewing in Manchester and Rohith Nair in BengaluruEditing by Toby Davis)
The banner read 'MUFC proudly colonised by immigrants' in response to Jim Ratcliffe's immigration comments.
Fans displayed the banner to celebrate the club's foreign players and respond to recent comments by minority owner Jim Ratcliffe regarding immigration.
The banner showcased past and present foreign players including Eric Cantona, Patrice Evra, Park Ji-sung, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, and Amad Diallo.
Jim Ratcliffe apologized, saying he was sorry for causing offense with his comments about Britain being 'colonised by immigrants.'
Manchester United won 2-1 against Crystal Palace, with Bruno Fernandes playing a key role in the victory.
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