Masked protesters mistake Pak U-19 cricket team for asylum seekers in Portsmouth

Pakistan's Under-19 cricket team found themselves in an unexpected predicament in Portsmouth, England, after anti-immigration protesters mistakenly identified the young athletes as asylum seekers. The confusion unfolded as tensions surrounding recent demonstrations against migrants intensified in the city. Reports surfaced that a significant number of foreign men had arrived at the Marriott hotel, prompting protesters to gather outside the establishment.

The situation was further complicated by the presence of a coach who had previously transported individuals suspected of being asylum seekers, leading protesters to believe the hotel was housing migrants.

The misunderstanding reached a boiling point when a crowd assembled outside the Marriott hotel, raised concerns about the 40 men who appeared to be non-English in appearance. The tension escalated as protesters questioned the legitimacy of the hotel's occupants. It wasn't until George Madgwick, a Reform councillor representing the ward that included the hotel, intervened to resolve the matter.

Upon arrival at the scene, Madgwick engaged with hotel management and the team's coach, who confirmed that the group staying at the hotel was, in fact, the visiting Pakistan Under-19 cricket team. With this clarification, the protesters were informed of the error, and they dispersed within minutes, apparently accepting the correction.

No confrontation between the protesters and the Pakistan players was reported during the incident, which was described by Madgwick as a "massively unfortunate incident." The situation highlighted the heightened sensitivities surrounding immigration issues in Portsmouth. Despite the initial confusion, the team managed to continue their tour without any reported confrontation, allowing the young cricketers to concentrate on their upcoming matches in England.