A Muslim prayer event to mark the end of Ramadan has been cancelled because of rising racial tensions after the UK's vote to leave the European Union.
More than 2,000 people had planned to attend the event in Southampton organised by the British Bangladesh Cultural Academy, according to the Times. But the organisers cancelled it "for the good of all communities" after a local far-right organisation held a march on Saturday in celebration of the Brexit vote.
Although it was not directly linked to the Islamic prayer event, the demonstration from the extremist South Coast Resistance, also known as the Pie and Mash Squad, prompted the decision to cancel.
Shere Sattar, chairman of the British Bangladesh Cultural Academy, said: "We have considered the political situation and unrest in the UK after the vote, the rise of racist activity and comments around other cities, and Pie and Mash deciding to visit Southampton."
He hoped that other events later on in the year in Southampton could go ahead.
"We urge everyone to be at their best in this unrestful time," he added, according to the Times. The prayer event had been planned in East Park in Southampton on Monday and Tuesday before the Eid al-Fitr celebrations to mark the end of the Islamic holy month of fasting, Ramadan, on Wednesday.
A counter-demonstration to the Pie and Mash Squad was also held on Saturday in Southampton. Organised the Refugees Welcome and Southampton AntiFa, the counter-protest was much larger than the original far-right march.
Debbie Avani, who took part in the anti-fascist protest, told the Daily Echo: "This is the first time I have done anything like this but I had to be a participant here and send the message that we don't agree with the hatred we have seen on social media and in the papers."
