Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has refrained from directly criticizing Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe over his controversial remarks about immigrants 'colonising' the U.K., but called similar views 'a big, big problem.' Ratcliffe, a Monaco resident, sparked outrage after telling Sky News that 'huge levels of immigrants' were putting pressure on the British economy.

While Ratcliffe has since apologized for his 'choice of language,' Guardiola emphasized that treating immigrants as the source of national problems is concerning. The City boss, who has previously spoken out on issues like Palestine and Sudan, stressed that people migrate seeking better opportunities, not because they want to leave their home countries. 'Most people are running away from countries because of problems in their countries,' he said.

United attempted to limit the fallout by issuing a statement calling themselves an 'inclusive and welcoming club,' while the FA is reportedly reviewing Ratcliffe's comments. Guardiola concluded by saying society would improve if it truly embraced other cultures, noting that 'the colour of the skin or where you were born doesn't make a difference.' The controversy highlights ongoing tensions around immigration discourse in British football and society.