Protesters in Portsmouth target Pakistan Under-19 cricket team by mistake

A demonstration by anti-immigration activists in Portsmouth concluded prematurely on Sunday after participants mistakenly identified the Pakistan Under-19 cricket team as asylum seekers. Protesters had gathered near a hotel, believing the occupants were part of a group that arrived via dinghy at Eastney harbour. The gathering followed an earlier protest in the city involving a black-clad group that attempted to block streets around the port. Stand Up to Racism characterized the event as a dangerous demonstration. A local Reform councillor reportedly urged the activists to stand down once the nature of the hotel guests was confirmed. No further incidents involving the cricket team were reported following the dispersal of the crowd.

• 6:12 AMYahoo Sports — Pakistan cricket team mistaken for asylum seekers by masked protesters in Portsmouth, caught in tense situation
• 6:42 PMESPNcricinfo — Protesters mistake Pakistan's U-19 team for asylum seekers in Portsmouth
• 1:43 PMThe Guardian Sport — Protesters outside Portsmouth hotel confuse Pakistan U19 cricket team for asylum seekers