10/09/2026
Side effects of spreading false information on social media.
Pakistan’s U19 cricket team was mistakenly targeted by an anti-migrant protest in Portsmouth after protesters falsely believed a group of migrants had arrived by bus and were staying at the Marriott Hotel in Cosham, BBC reported.
Around 30 to 40 people gathered outside the hotel on Tuesday evening, according to Reform county councillor George Madgwick, who said hotel staff provided proof that the guests were the touring Pakistan U19 national cricket team.
BBC reported that Hampshire Constabulary said officers responded to reports of the gathering and spoke to protesters who were concerned about a coach seen in the area. Police said their concerns were unfounded and that no offences were identified.
The crowd then left the hotel shortly after.