Full Breakdown
Mistaken Anti-Immigration Protest Targets Pakistan Under-19 Cricket Team in Portsmouth
9/10/2026, 12:28:42 AM
Core Event
Anti-immigration demonstrators gathered outside the Marriott Hotel in Portsmouth after online posts claimed “four coachloads of migrants” were being housed there. The crowd, estimated at 40-50 people, was later told the occupants were the Pakistan Under-19 cricket team staying for a tour. Within minutes the protest dispersed.
Background & Context
The incident followed a large-scale arrival of an estimated 140 asylum seekers on a dinghy at Eastney harbour, which sparked a separate protest on the preceding Sunday. Far-right activists blocked streets and clashed with police, prompting a dispersal order and arrests. The heightened tension created a climate in which the sight of a coach and young Asian men at the hotel was quickly misinterpreted as a migrant convoy.
Official Responses
- Councillor George Madgwick (leader of the Reform UK group on Hampshire County Council) confirmed the hotel manager clarified the guests were the cricket team and personally spoke with the coach. He then addressed the assembled crowd, leading to its rapid departure.
- He pledged that police would identify and pursue individuals responsible for assaults.
- Peter Sparkes, chief executive of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), said volunteers had faced “physical and online abuse” after the charity rescued 120 migrants brought ashore at Portsmouth.
Criticism of Anti-Immigration Tactics
A spokesperson for Stand Up to Racism warned that mobilising “racists” whenever non-white groups appear is “extremely dangerous” and constitutes “racism in action.” The comment reflects broader concern that misinformation fuels hostile actions against innocent parties.
Verbatim Quotes
- “They were just like, ‘Okay, we're really sorry, we got it wrong’ and I said, ‘Well, yeah, if you can just leave now, that'd be great’.” — Cllr Madgwick, councillor
- “Violence and damage have no part in peaceful protests and my officers did not deserve to be assaulted. They worked incredibly hard and courageously and did not deserve what happened.” — Mr Boon
- “The hotel explained it was a Pakistani cricket team staying. The team coach came to speak to me personally and I saw proof,” — George Madgwick, councillor
These statements illustrate how rapid clarification averted further escalation, while officials emphasized the need for lawful, non-violent protest and condemned abuse directed at rescue workers.
