Pep Guardiola defends multiculturalism after Sir Jim Ratcliffe 'colonised' controversy

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has delivered an impassioned defence of multiculturalism in response to the furore triggered by Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s claim that the United Kingdom has been “colonised” by immigrants.

Ratcliffe, the 73-year-old founder of petrochemical giant INEOS, made the remarks during a televised interview on Wednesday, drawing swift condemnation from Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham. The Football Association is reviewing the comments, while United distanced themselves from the controversy on Thursday by reaffirming their commitment to inclusivity without naming Ratcliffe directly.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup fourth-round tie against Salford City, Guardiola refused to condemn the United co-owner, whom he described as “a person I have huge appreciation for”, but used his platform to argue that immigration enriches rather than weakens society.

“I won’t comment on what Sir Jim Ratcliffe said… but all around the world we treat immigrant people as the problem our countries have, and it’s a big, big, big, big, big problem,” Guardiola told reporters. “Everybody wants a better life. Most people run away from their countries because of the problems they have, not because they want to leave.”

Drawing on his own journey from Catalonia to managerial stints in Mexico, Qatar, Italy, Germany and England, the 53-year-old said exposure to different cultures had shaped his worldview. “Travelling and meeting incredibly nice people benefited my personality. It doesn’t make me feel better just because I was born in one place rather than another.”

Guardiola urged societies to “embrace other cultures” and warned against judging individuals on “the colour of skin or place where you’re born”. He added: “The moment we start on that, it doesn’t make a difference. We have a lot of work to do.”

Ratcliffe issued a qualified apology on Thursday, expressing regret that his “choice of language has offended some people” while maintaining that “controlled and well-managed immigration” is vital for economic growth. The episode has intensified scrutiny of public figures’ rhetoric on immigration and reinforced football’s role in broader social debates.

Guardiola, who has recently spoken out on conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan, concluded: “As much as we embrace other cultures, truly we can be better. That will be a better society. I don’t have any doubts about that.”