It's the same with many words with the -ize suffix - we seem to have subconsciously accepted -ise to the point that spellcheckers demand it, when in actual fact the OED form of a word typically uses -ize.

Most British newspapers use the -ise form. The Oxford University Press use the -ize form. So it isn't as clear cut as you think.

I recall reading that the -ise alternatives have some roots in Australian us of the language.