MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Manchester United coach Michael Carrick said the Premier League club was proud of its culture after co-owner Jim Ratcliffe triggered a storm of criticism forclaiming Britain had been "colonized"by immigrants.
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The British billionaire owner of petrochemicals giant INEOS later apologized that his choice of language had "offended some people."
Ratcliffe's comments were condemned by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, along with a wide spectrum of political figures, as well as United fans proud of the diversity within the team and its supporter base.
Carrick, who washired as interim head coach, faced the media on Friday for the first time since Ratcliffe's remarks and he was asked for his response.
"Sir Jim has made a statement, and then the club's made a statement on the back of it so for me to add to that is not my place," he said. "What I can say is, as I've been around this club many, many years, we always make a huge impact globally.
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"We're really proud of the environment and the culture that we've got at the club, and equality and diversity and respect for each other is something that we look to carry through every day."
Ratcliffe's comments touched a nerve in Britain, whereimmigration is a divisive issue.
Critics accused Ratcliffe of "hypocrisy," saying he has chosen to make his home in Monaco to reduce his U.K. tax bill.
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