Former Premier League manager Harry Redknapp stated that Britain has become overrun with illegal migrants and described his hometown of Bournemouth as resembling a third-world country. Redknapp spoke during a TalkTV interview while reacting to images of migrants crossing into Spain’s North African territory of Ceuta. Around 60,000 Moroccans entered the Spanish enclave, overwhelming border guards and leading Spain to send military forces to regain control. At least 43 people died in the crossing after a Spanish Supreme Court decision prevented immediate returns to Morocco. Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called the events an attack, while UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the crisis as concerning and offered support. Redknapp told interviewer Jeremy Kyle that migrants would reach the UK, viewing it as the land of milk and honey. He noted that the arrivals were mostly young men with no plans to return and said the country was becoming overrun, with Bournemouth’s town centre particularly affected. Friends visiting recently compared the area to a third-world country. Other football figures have also commented on immigration. After Restore Britain leader Rupert Lowe advocated deporting benefit-claiming migrants, former Chelsea players John Terry and Dennis Wise appeared to support the idea. In 2025 Redknapp faced criticism over footage that seemed to show him making a Nazi salute while calling England manager Thomas Tuchel a German spy. He later said the remark was a joke that backfired.
