Crowd gathers after Pakistani cricket team mistaken for migrants
BBC News reports on an incident where an international cricket team became the target of an anti-migrant protest in Portsmouth, UK.
The Incident
- Approximately 30 to 40 people gathered outside the Marriott Hotel in Cosham on Tuesday evening, believing a group of migrants had arrived by bus.
- These rumours were sparked by false information circulating about a coach carrying "foreign nationals."
- Reform county councillor George Madgwick urged people not to attend, stating hotel staff had confirmed the guests were the Pakistan under-19 national cricket team.
Police Response
- Hampshire Constabulary officers responded to reports of the gathering and spoke to the concerned individuals, clarifying that their assumptions were incorrect.
- No offences were identified, and the crowd dispersed around 21:00.
Councillor’s Statement
- Madgwick expressed disappointment, stating, "In this case, they have made a grave error, a grave mistake."
- He denied the reaction was racist, attributing it to speculation based on misinformation.
MP’s Concern
- Labour MP for Portsmouth North, Amanda Martin, described the incident as "deeply concerning."
- She highlighted the unacceptable nature of misinformation leading to the targeting of young cricketers and the impact on hotel staff.
Cricket Board’s Response
- The England and Wales Cricket Board has checked on the well-being of the Pakistani under-19s team and is reviewing security arrangements for the remainder of their tour.
Misinformation and Rumours
- The incident occurred two days after hundreds of protesters blocked roads in Portsmouth following the arrival of a boat carrying about 120 migrants.
- MP Martin emphasized the need for debates about immigration to be based on facts, not rumour or misinformation.
