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Sports July 31, 2026

Harry Redknapp Warns of Overcrowding as Migrant Numbers Surge in

Harry Redknapp Warns of Overcrowding as Migrant Numbers Surge in

Former Premier League manager Harry Redknapp has sparked controversy with his comments on the migrant crisis, claiming Britain has become "completely overrun" by migrants and that his hometown of Bournemouth has become a "third-world country".

Speaking in a live interview on Friday, Redknapp reacted to images of migrants crossing into Spain's North African territory of Ceuta, where around 60,000 Moroccans have entered the Spanish enclave, overwhelming border guards and prompting Spain to deploy its military to restore the border.

At least 43 people have died during the crossing, which has seen a major influx after Spain's Supreme Court ruled that migrants stopped at sea while trying to reach Ceuta cannot be summarily returned to Morocco.

FNIDEQ, MOROCCO - JULY 31: Moroccan security forces monitor crowds gathered along the coastline near the border with Ceuta as irregular migrants attempt to reach the Spanish-administered territory, on July 31, 2026 in Fnideq, Morocco. Authorities blocked roads across the northern city and deployed additional security measures to prevent migrants from reaching Ceuta, the Spanish-administered territory in North Africa. (Photo by Hicham Rachidi/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Redknapp claimed the migrants would eventually make their way to the United Kingdom, as they know it to be "the land of milk and honey". He questioned the presence of women among the migrants, stating, "Where are the women? Is there no women?"

Redknapp also expressed his concerns about the impact of migration on his hometown of Bournemouth, saying, "Bournemouth town centre is absolutely gone. I had some friends come down the other way. He said they thought we were in a third-world country."

Redknapp, who turned 79 earlier this year, enjoyed stints at Tottenham, West Ham and Portsmouth during his long managerial career, and is most famously known for winning the FA Cup with Portsmouth in 2008 and taking Tottenham into the modern-day Champions League for the first time in its history in 2010-11.

Migrants return to Morocco from the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, Friday, July 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Antonio Sempere) Harry Redknapp on day three of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse. Picture date: Thursday March 13, 2025. PA Photo. See PA story RACING Cheltenham. Photo credit should read: Mike Egerton/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.

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