Lineker Tears Into Ratcliffe Over Immigration Remarks: "The Hypocrisy Is Staggering"

Gary Lineker has rounded on Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in the wake of the billionaire's inflammatory remarks about immigration, which triggered widespread condemnation this week.

Ratcliffe, who acquired a 27.7 per cent stake in United in February 2024 and was handed control of football operations as the Glazer family stepped back, faced intense backlash after citing flawed population statistics to suggest Britain had been "colonised" by immigrants.

The INEOS chief apologised for his "choice of language" following pressure from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, issuing a statement that his comments during a Sky News interview at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp were intended to highlight the need for governments to balance migration policy with investment in skills and manufacturing.

But Lineker, the former Match of the Day presenter, was having none of it. Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, the ex-Tottenham striker zeroed in on what he sees as glaring contradictions in Ratcliffe's position.

"The hypocrisy really – the guy's a migrant himself, an economic migrant because he lives in Monaco," Lineker said. "You can gripe all you like, but at least be here, pay tax and contribute to our society."

He went on to highlight the economic contributions migrants make to Britain through taxation and revenue generation, contrasting this sharply with Ratcliffe's Monaco residency arrangement. "Whereas Jim out there in Monaco is doing everything he can to avoid paying tax," Lineker added.

The former striker also pointed out the fundamental contradiction of Ratcliffe's position as custodian of a club with a significant overseas contingent. "You're one of the owners of Manchester United, a club that has a lot of players from overseas. When he's talking about colonised with immigrants, is it OK that you're a white person living abroad, not a brown or black person?" Lineker posed.

Ratcliffe has already proven unpopular at Old Trafford following aggressive cost-cutting measures that have alienated club staff, supporters, and United legends. His grand plans for a new 100,000-capacity stadium have done little to soften sentiment around his tenure.

Lineker concluded by noting the dismay among United's fanbase, referencing the journey of midfielder Amad Diallo to the club. "Lots and lots of my friends who support United have come on and said similar things to what I'm saying now, they're very disappointed," he said. "I find it deeply concerning that an owner of a football club can say that sort of thing."