Far-right protesters clashed with anti-racist demonstrators in Glasgow as police struggled to keep both sides apart. The Unite the Clans group organised the protest at Glasgow Green at 11am on Saturday morning.
The counter-demo was organised outside the Green in front of the High Court by Stand Up To Racism (SUTR) and Women Against The Far Right. However, ugly scenes marred the event as the opposing groups clashed.
Footage shows far-right protesters, dressed in black and holding Scotland and England flags, rushing towards railings and hurling missiles at a crowd of anti-rascist activists who had gathered on Greendyke Street.
View 5 ImagesAnti-racism protesters outside Glasgow Green with right-wing demonstrators inside(Image: Supplied)
Cops moved in quickly on both sides of the railings as the both sides goaded one and other. Inside the park, mounted police came in between the groups as scenes threatened to boil over.
The force confirmed that “a number of arrests” had been made at Glasgow Green.
A bystander commented: “As usual there was a larger presence from the anti-racism protesters, Glasgow won’t tolerate this sort of stuff.
View 5 ImagesObjects were thrown by the far-right protesters(Image: Supplied)
View 5 ImagesThe Green Brigade were surrounded by cops after arriving. (Image: Supplied)
“The Green brigade and Bhoys turned up but the cops moved in quickly and kettled them. The far-right were throwing missiles and looking for trouble from the start.
“They were largely drowned out but that just seems to antagonise them more and there behaviour got worse as the morning progressed.”
View 5 ImagesProtesters run from police during the anti-immigration protest(Image: Lesley Martin/PA Wire)
View 5 ImagesCampaigners from Stand Up To Racism staged a counter-protest(Image: Lesley Martin/PA Wire)
A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “Police are responding to disorder in various areas of Glasgow City Centre, including at a planned protest on Glasgow Green.
“A significant policing operation is in place, and a number of arrests have already been made. Members of the public are being asked to avoid the area at this time, and we understand the concern this is causing in the community.
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“Anyone with concerns can approach officers. This is a particularly challenging situation, and officers are working hard to bring this incident to an end.”
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