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Protestors confuse Pakistan cricket team for migrants after gathering at hotel
Disinformation drew 40 to 50 protesters to a hotel before they learned the coach carried the Pakistan cricket team, a local councillor said.
- On Tuesday evening, protestors gathered outside the Marriott Hotel in Cosham, mistakenly targeting the touring Pakistan under-19 national cricket team after online rumors falsely identified the athletes as migrants arriving by bus.
- Disinformation spread on Facebook triggered the incident when someone photographed passengers leaving the coach and posted online, sparking speculation that led people to falsely assume the travelers were asylum seekers rather than visiting athletes.
- Reform councillor George Madgwick intervened by speaking directly to the crowd of about 30 to 40 people, confirming with hotel staff that the guests were the visiting cricket team and assuring protestors they had made a mistake.
- Labour MP for Portsmouth North Amanda Martin called the incident "deeply concerning," stating misinformation led to young cricketers being wrongly targeted; the Wales Cricket Board confirmed it is reviewing security arrangements for the tour's remainder.
- Madgwick denied the reaction was racist, calling it a "grave error" and "grave mistake," while warning that without government action on the small boats crisis, similar incidents could recur in the future.
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources9
Leaning Left3Leaning Right2Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution45% Center
Bias Distribution
- 45% of the sources are Center
45% Center
L 33%
C 45%
R 22%
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