Fifteen people were arrested Saturday after a confrontation between anti-immigration group Unite the Clans and anti-racism demonstrators on Glasgow Green, with police reporting 'significant disorder'.
Clashes erupt at rival demonstrations
The anti-immigration mob had been heard shouting 'get them out' and 'send them back' towards 'illegal migrants', though no proof of anyone being such was given. Footage showed them throwing bottles at officers, with their actions described as 'thuggery' and 'assault'. They were accused of 'blindly demonising people of different ethnicities' after hurling insults at visibly non-white members of the public.
The anti-racism group, called by Stand Up to Racism and Women Against the Far Right, arrived at 11am, playing Abba songs, making speeches, and waving placards and Palestine flags. They attempted to march but police turned them back. Anti-immigration demonstrators gathered an hour later for their pre-planned demo, also making speeches, chanting, and blasting music, but were drowned out by the larger anti-racism group. Some men wore balaclavas and waved flares emitting blue and white smoke. Many displayed flags with anti-immigration phrases.
Police intervene amid size disparity
Both groups comprised hundreds of people – Unite the Clans had around 500 attendees, while Stand Up to Racism and Women Against the Far Right had approximately 4,000. Officers separated the groups and drew batons to restore order. During the evening, police put containment measures 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.'
Arrests and political condemnation
Arrests were made for assault, possession of offensive weapons, breach of the peace, obstruction, and resisting arrest. Croft called it 'completely unacceptable behaviour' and said participants would be 'identified and held to account for their actions'. She added: '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.'
Justice Secretary Neil Gray said a 'significant deployment' of police was needed to contain the protests and settle the aftermath. He condemned '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'.
Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander cited recent unrest in Scotland for 'spreading division and fear'. He said: '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 described the scenes as 'wholly unacceptable'.
Background of Unite the Clans
Unite the Clans made headlines in March when a protest was held outside the Scottish Parliament, inviting related groups from Perth, Dundee, Edinburgh, and parts of England. The group insists its rallies are 'peaceful', but Stand Up to Racism has called it fascist and 'trying to build a street movement'.
