"Manchester United" has released a statement on its official website emphasizing the country's high immigration rate, following co-founder Jim Ratcliffe's comments on the economic situation in Great Britain.
Earlier reports in the media indicated that other members of the club's leadership were angered by Ratcliffe's comments.
"Manchester United is proud to be an open and welcoming club. The diverse makeup of our players, staff and global fanbase reflects the history and heritage of Manchester - a city that everyone can call home.
Since the launch of our equality initiative in 2016, this principle, along with the principles of diversity and inclusion, has underpinned everything we do. We remain fully committed to the spirit of this programme. These values are embodied not only in our policies but also in the club's culture," the "Red Devils" said in a statement.
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Jim Ratcliffe, co-founder of Manchester United and head of the transnational company INEOS, explained his comments regarding the economic situation in Great Britain.
"You can't have an economy where nine million people are claiming benefits and you have large numbers of immigrants," - Idman.Biz quotes Ratcliffe.
"I deeply regret that my comments have upset and caused concern to some people in the UK and Europe. However, it is important to raise the issue of controlled and well-managed immigration supporting economic growth.
My comments were made during a question-and-answer session on British policy at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp. There, I discussed the importance of economic growth, jobs, skills and manufacturing in the UK.
My intention was to emphasise that governments must manage migration alongside investment in skills, industry and jobs to ensure long-term prosperity is available for all. It is important that we have an open debate about the challenges facing the UK," Ratcliffe told INEOS' press service.