Eric Cantona has strongly reacted to the recent remarks made by Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe about immigration. The Frenchman asserted that he would not have joined United in 1992 if Ratcliffe had been in charge.
In a recent interview with the BBC, Ratcliffe claimed that Britain is “heading downwards”, partly attributing the country’s issues to high levels of immigration. He also remarked that British politicians lack the toughness to tackle this problem, sparking public backlash, including criticism from the Manchester United Supporters Trust, which has called for Ratcliffe to step down.
While attending an event in Ireland, Cantona was asked whether he would have made the switch from Leeds to United if Ratcliffe had been a co-owner at the time:
No. Of course not. You know what I think about all this, this kind of politics. I don’t understand how a person can say such things while being one of the owners of the club.
The Frenchman also highlighted the significant role immigration has played in the history of European football:
Football is a people’s sport. The greatest players have emerged from various waves of immigration — in France, England, everywhere.
In France, for example, many of the greatest footballers came from immigrant families. I even made a documentary about this. Raymond Kopa was the son of Polish immigrants who came to France and worked hard there.
Then there were the Spaniards — like in my case. My mother came from a family of Spanish refugees. I cannot accept such things.
While Ratcliffe has previously named Cantona as his favourite player, the Frenchman has a history of criticising Manchester United's current hierarchy.
Earlier this year, Ratcliffe remarked that Britain had been “colonised by immigrants” but later apologised to those offended by his choice of words. His recent statements have once again provoked protests from a segment of the United fanbase.
