Key Takeaways
- Anti-immigration demonstrators in southern England mistakenly targeted a hotel where Pakistan’s U-19 cricket squad was staying.
- The incident occurred in Portsmouth, following protests against migrants disembarking near the port city.
- A councillor from the anti-immigration Reform UK party helped disperse the crowd after confirming the men were part of the cricket team.
Anti-immigration protesters in southern England mistakenly targeted a hotel where Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team was staying, according to reports.
The incident took place in a northern suburb of Portsmouth on Tuesday evening, following protests against migrants disembarking near the port city.
Reports indicate that a coach with young Asian men on board was seen at a Marriott Hotel in the Portsmouth suburb of Cosham, drawing the attention of protesters.
A councillor from the anti-immigration Reform UK party went to the scene and helped disperse the crowd after confirming the men were members of Pakistan’s teenage cricket team.
Hampshire Police were notified that a group of people were starting to congregate near the hotel on Tuesday evening.
Officers attended and spoke to the public expressing concerns about the coach, explaining that their concerns were not correct.
The crowd of around 30 people dispersed shortly after, and no offences were identified.
The incident has sparked condemnation from anti-racism groups, with Michael Bradley, a national organiser from the Stand Up To Racism organisation, stating that it shows 'where the scapegoating of refugees and migrants can lead.'
Bradley warned that such incidents could lead to racist attacks and more violence, emphasizing the need to address the issue.
When a Pakistan U-19’s team is faced by protests because it ‘might’ in fact be a group of migrants it means that effectively any group of black or Asian people coming into the city are being seen by the far right as a potential target.
Michael Bradley, National organiser, Stand Up To Racism
