Ratcliffe’s remarks on immigration sparked controversy
England captain says remarks are ‘so far from the truth’
The England captain Maro Itoje has piled into the ruck surrounding Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s comments about immigration, dismissing the Manchester United co-owner’s views as “ridiculous”. Itoje, whose parents both came to Britain from Nigeria, has criticised the phrasing and accuracy of Ratcliffe’s remarks.
Itoje, who recently missed the start of England’s pre-Six Nations training camp to attend his mother’s funeral in Nigeria, did not hold back when asked about Ratcliffe’s opinion on the eve of his side’s Calcutta Cup showdown at Murrayfield. “Obviously I don’t condone the language he used,” said Itoje.
“I was born in this country of Nigerian descent and I think it’s ridiculous to say Great Britain has been colonised by immigrants because that is so far from the truth. I think it’s wrong.” Itoje acknowledged that Ratcliffe has since sought to clarify his words – “If I’ve read correctly he has apologised for his comments” – but the 31-year-old clearly remains seriously unimpressed.
