John Barnes makes his feelings clear after Sir Jim Ratcliffe sparks controversy

Liverpool legend John Barnes defended Sir Jim Ratcliffe's right to debate immigration after the Manchester United co-owner's controversial comments, but the former England star took aim at Nigel Farage's response

John Barnes speaking on Good Morning Britain(Image: X/GMB)

Former England footballer John Barnes has voiced his opinion on Sir Jim Ratcliffe's controversial comments on immigration.

Ratcliffe, a part-owner of Manchester United, recently suggested that the United Kingdom had been "colonized" by immigrants. While Liverpool legend Barnes doesn't agree with the choice of words, he welcomes the discussion. Responses to the billionaire's remarks have come from various quarters, including Manchester United fan groups and politicians across party lines.

The Premier League club also issued a statement on Thursday. Barnes, who was born in Jamaica and moved to England as a child, believes Ratcliffe has the right to bring up the issue. However, he took exception to Nigel Farage's response, the leader of Reform UK.

"I have no issue with Jim Ratcliffe. I have no issue with his debate on immigration, that's a valid debate to be had," Barnes said on Good Morning Britain.

"Of course, immigration brings lots of good, and of course, when he talks about illegal immigration, that has to be addressed... I agree with him on that.

"The only thing I have an issue with was the word 'colonized.' That is the only thing about this whole debate, because we have to have meaningful discussion on immigration, as to whether it's good or it's bad."

Sir Jim Ratcliffe caused controversy with comments about immigration(Image: Getty Images)

During the Sky News interview in which he made these remarks, Ratcliffe quoted incorrect statistics on immigration numbers and also expressed his view that Farage is an "intelligent man."

In response, Farage agreed with Ratcliffe's stance, but Barnes has since challenged the Reform UK leader's viewpoint.

"Now, the 'colonized' bit is the thing that I have an issue with, because of course, by no stretch of the imagination can we interpret what's happening with immigration as colonization," Barnes continued. "Colonization is when a settler community from a different country comes to our country and dominates and exploits economically and politically and controls the system."

He added: "I agree with (Ratcliffe) on some points about immigration, and we can have that discussion, but as far as the colonization part goes, that is completely wrong. For Nigel Farage to come and say... that by the interpretation in the dictionary he agrees with him about England being colonized or Great Britain being colonized: No.

"The interpretation in the dictionary, the meaning in the dictionary, actually states that it's the domination, exploitation, and control of an indigenous population by foreign entities, which is not happening here."

Ratcliffe issued a statement on Thursday in response to the backlash from his initial interview. High-profile politicians, including Keir Starmer and Andy Burnham, have criticized the billionaire, who could now face FA sanctions following the launch of an investigation.

"I am sorry that my choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe and caused concern, but it is important to raise the issue of controlled and well-managed immigration that supports economic growth," he said.

"My comments were made while answering questions about UK policy at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, where I was discussing the importance of economic growth, jobs, skills, and manufacturing in the UK.

"My intention was to stress that governments must manage migration alongside investment in skills, industry, and jobs so that long-term prosperity is shared by everyone. It is critical that we maintain an open debate on the challenges facing the UK."