Pakistan U19 team 'mistakenly' targeted by anti-migrant protesters in Portsmouth

Anti-immigration protesters gathered outside a hotel in Portsmouth on Tuesday after mistakenly believing Pakistan’s U-19 cricket team were asylum seekers, according to British media reports.

Around 30 protesters gathered outside a Marriott Hotel in Cosham, a northern suburb of Portsmouth, after reports circulated online about a coach carrying young Asian men. The group later dispersed after police explained that their concerns were unfounded.

The incident occurred around two days after protesters disrupted the arrival of migrants near Portsmouth’s port and confronted police.

Immigration has become a politically sensitive issue in Britain, particularly over asylum seekers arriving from mainland Europe in small boats.

According to media reports, a Reform UK councillor went to the scene and helped disperse the protesters after confirming that the people staying at the hotel were members of Pakistan’s U-19 cricket team.

What did Hampshire Police say about the incident?

Hampshire Police said officers were notified that a group of people had started gathering near the hotel on Tuesday evening. Police said those present were concerned about a coach that had been seen in the area.

Officers spoke to the group and explained that their concerns were incorrect, after which the crowd dispersed a short time later. Police said no offences were identified during the incident.

Why was the incident criticised?

Michael Bradley, a national organiser with Stand Up To Racism, condemned the incident and said it showed the consequences of refugees and migrants being used as scapegoats.

Bradley argued that the incident raised concerns about Black and Asian people becoming potential targets for far-right groups because of their appearance.

He warned that such hostility could eventually contribute to racist attacks and further violence.