15 arrested after mob clashes with police in ‘thuggish’ Glasgow protests

Footage has captured the moments when a crowd clashed with police following rowdy racist protests in Glasgow.

With Scottish flags in their hands, the mob had been heard shouting ‘get them out’ and ‘send them back’. While they claimed they were doing so towards ‘illegal migrants’, no proof of anyone being such was given.

As footage from the day circulated online, showing them throwing bottles at intervening officers, the actions of the crowd were described as ‘thuggery’ and ‘assault’, and they were accused of ‘blindly demonising people of different ethnicities’ after hurling insults at visibly non-white members of the public.

Others branded them ‘small-minded’ and an ’embarrassment’ and urged them to ‘look into the mirror and see who the real problem is here’.

Approximately 15 arrests were made on Saturday after a confrontation between anti-immigration, far-right political group Unite the Clans and anti-racism demonstrators, with police saying there was ‘significant disorder’ on Glasgow Green.

At 11am, the anti-racism group arrived. Called by Stand Up to Racism and Women Against the Far Right, the counter-demo played Abba songs, made speeches, and waved placards and Palestine flags.

They attempted to initiate a march at one point, but police turned them back.

Anti-immigration demonstrators gathered an hour later for their pre-planned demo. They, too, made speeches, chanted, and blasted music, but were still drowned out by the numbers in the anti-racism groups.

Some men wore balaclavas, while others waved flares that released blue and white smoke. Many displayed flags emblazoned with anti-immigration phrases.

Both groups comprised hundreds of people – although it’s been reported that while Unite the Clans had 500 in attendance, SUTR and WAFR had 4,000.

Officers had to separate them and draw their batons to restore discipline.

Then, during the evening, police said a number of containment measures had been put in place.

Chief Superintendent Emma Croft said in a statement: ‘We have seen significant disorder from disparate groups in Glasgow today at what should have been peaceful, lawful protests.

‘Incidents of this nature can understandably cause a great deal of concern, and our officers took quick and decisive action to protect the public and bring the situation to a conclusion.

‘I want to be clear that the behaviour from many of these groups is not legitimate protest; it amounts to violence, intimidation and fear and will not be tolerated.’

The arrests made were in connection with assault, possession of offensive weapons, breach of the peace, obstruction, and resisting arrest.

Croft called it ‘completely unacceptable behaviour’ and told participants that they would be ‘identified and held to account for their actions’.

‘At a time when Glasgow should be shown at its best, it is extremely disappointing to once again be dealing with violence and disorder that attempts to create unease in our communities.’

Following the end of the protests, a visible police presence remained in the city centre and surrounding areas to ensure order, with Justice Secretary Neil Gray explaining that a ‘significant deployment’ was necessary to contain the protests and settle the aftermath.

He implored other members of the public not to resort to such ‘violence’ and ‘racist thuggery’, echoing Croft’s pledge that ‘any kind of intimidation and other tactics that seek to divide [the] country will be met with the full force of the law’.

In recent weeks, Scotland has seen major unrest, which Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander cited for ‘spreading division and fear’.

‘As the eyes of the world fall on Glasgow with the Commonwealth Games and the city welcomes people from all over the globe, it is disappointing that people are choosing to spread division,’ he added of the ‘wholly unacceptable’ scenes as the capital city hosts the 22nd edition of the multi-sports event.

Unite the Clans made headlines in March when a protest was held outside the Scottish Parliament. Members invited related groups in Perth, Dundee, Edinburgh, and other parts of England to join them.

Insisting its rallies are ‘peaceful’, the group, which Stand Up to Racism has said is fascist and ‘trying to build a street movement’, also encouraged ‘patriots’ to come together.

Again, counter-protesters turned up in their dozens, sparking a heavy police presence once more.

Among the Saltire and Union flags, Unite the Clans repeatedly chanted ‘send them home’ and shouted taunts.

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