An international cricket team was mistakenly targeted by an anti-migrant protest after being seen entering a hotel in Portsmouth. False rumours that a group of migrants had arrived by bus led to approximately 30 to 40 people gathering outside the Marriott Hotel in Cosham on Tuesday evening.
Reform county councillor George Madgwick, who had urged people not to attend in a now-deleted Facebook post, stated that hotel staff showed him proof the guests were the touring Pakistan under-19 national cricket team. Hampshire Constabulary confirmed officers attended the scene and informed those gathered that their concerns were unfounded, with no offences identified.
Labour MP for Portsmouth North, Amanda Martin, described the incident as "deeply concerning," highlighting that misinformation led to young cricketers being wrongly targeted. The England and Wales Cricket Board has checked on the wellbeing of the Pakistani under-19s team and is now reviewing security for their remaining tour.