Cricket Team Mistaken for Migrants
Anti-migrant protesters in Portsmouth mistakenly target Pakistan cricket team following false social media rumors.
Anonymous
Key Points
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A social-media post by local resident Chris Lawrence falsely claimed: “Four coachloads of migrants being loaded into the Marriott Hotel near Port Solent.”
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During the earlier Eastney protest, the Hampshire Police Federation said officers and other emergency workers had stones and bricks thrown at them, while some officers were pushed from their bicycles.
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The person described as leading the hotel crowd reportedly instructed demonstrators to remain on public land, stay calm, avoid drinking and refrain from abuse.
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Police were subsequently stationed outside the RNLI facility at Eastney, while RNLI volunteers faced online abuse, including accusations that they were “traitors.”
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False online claims also targeted a Travelodge on Kingston Crescent; hotel staff repeatedly told commenters that migrants were not being accommodated there.
About 40 to 50 anti-migrant protesters gathered outside a Marriott hotel in Portsmouth on Tuesday after a misleading social-media post claimed asylum seekers were being housed there. The crowd dispersed within minutes after staff and local officials confirmed the guests were Pakistan's under-19 cricket team, in town for matches. Manchester Evening News reported the mix-up followed tense demonstrations over 120 asylum seekers rescued in the English Channel.
The false claim, shared by local resident Chris Lawrence, stated: "Four coachloads of migrants being loaded into the Marriott Hotel near Port Solent." Anti-racism groups condemned the protest, while Reform UK council leader George Madgwick said public anger reflected frustration over the government's handling of small-boat arrivals. Further false online claims targeted a nearby Travelodge hotel.
How Social Media Fueled the Mix-Up
Chris Lawrence's post claimed four buses full of migrants were entering the Marriott, a four-star hotel where rooms often cost over £120 per night. The post spread quickly online, drawing protesters to the location. The Independent reported that the crowd formed based entirely on this unverified claim shared across social platforms.
Hotel staff and Reform UK's George Madgwick arrived and quickly clarified that the guests were young Pakistani cricketers. The protesters left peacefully once the truth emerged. Similar false claims also circulated about migrants at a Kingston Crescent Travelodge, which hotel staff repeatedly denied.
Tension Peaks During Eastney Rescue Site Protest
The Portsmouth hotel incident occurred one day after a more volatile protest at the Eastney RNLI facility, where asylum seekers rescued from the English Channel were being processed. Examiner Live reported that demonstrators clashed with police and emergency workers during that earlier gathering.
The Hampshire Police Federation said officers and emergency workers had stones and bricks thrown at them. Some officers were pushed from their bicycles. RNLI volunteers later faced online abuse, with accusers calling them "traitors" for rescuing people at sea. Police subsequently stationed officers outside the Eastney facility to maintain order.
Anti-Racism Groups Condemn Mob Tactics
Anti-racism campaigners strongly condemned the Marriott hotel protest, calling it a sign of dangerous misinformation spreading unchecked. They warned that false social-media posts were inflaming tensions and encouraging mob behavior based on false pretenses.
Council leader Madgwick acknowledged public frustration but argued it should be directed at government policy, not vulnerable people. He noted that the cricket team mix-up showed how quickly false claims can mobilize crowds — a risk that grows as tensions remain high over migrant arrivals.
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