TWO people have been arrested after a protest against an Irish unity march sparked a riot in Glasgow.
Riot police, mounted officers, a helicopter and dog units were used to quell “significant disorder” in Govan on Friday evening.
Officers said the planned march, organised by the James Connolly Republican Flute Band, was met by hundreds of “disruptive” counterdemonstrators at around 7pm.
This then led to violent scenes around Govan Road, which was blocked by officers as police eventually contained both sides after calling in extra resources.
Chairman of Govan Community Council Allan Bell described the events as “alarming”.
Two men, aged 37 and 21, have been arrested and charged in relation to the incident.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon condemned the disorder and welcomed Glasgow City Council’s promise to review its procedures on marches and protests. She tweeted: “Peaceful protest is a part of our democracy – violent and sectarian disruption is not.”
Glasgow City Council, which granted permission for the march to go ahead on August 22, claimed it wants to see fewer marches in the city.
A council spokesperson said: “The scenes in Govan [on Friday] – and those we have seen elsewhere in the city on too many occasions in the last year – are unacceptable.
“The council is clear that the law expects it to facilitate public processions, including those that some people oppose or find offensive. However, this cannot continue to be at the expense of the overwhelming majority of Glaswegians, who want nothing to do with these marches or counterprotests.
“The city needs and wants fewer marches. We are prepared to consider any action that will protect communities from morons, intent on bringing mayhem to the streets of our city.”
Police Scotland has also promised a “thorough and robust” inquiry into the incident.
Chief Superintendent Mark Hargreaves said: “Police Scotland has a duty to facilitate processions and any peaceful protest, but this kind of behaviour by persons demonstrating against the parade is utterly unacceptable.
“It is extremely disappointing to see people acting in this fashion, causing fear and alarm to members of the public as well as putting many people at risk.”
Glasgow City Council advised of the roadblock in a traffic bulletin on Friday night and Govan Subway Station was also closed as a result of the trouble.
Once the road reopened at around 9.45pm, a few police vehicles remained in the area, including riot vans. Debris and what appeared to be makeshift barriers could be seen at the side of the road. Witnesses reported smoke bombs being used.
Scottish Greens Govan councillor Allan Young said that these events do not represent his community.
“The scenes witnessed on Friday night were disgraceful,” he said.
“They are absolutely not a reflection on the peaceful and inclusive place that Govan is. My constituents should be able to go about their business without the threat of violence and intimidation. I am grateful to the police for their swift and effective action.
"It’s vital that authorities ensure this cannot happen again and I’ll be discussing this with council colleagues and police in the coming days.”
Council leader and SNP group leader Susan Aitken also wished to never see such violent scenes again in the city.
She tweeted: “Councillors try very hard to balance public protection and human rights.
“But last night, thugs obsessed with ancient hatreds used our city to stage an appalling abuse of the right to process and protest. This can’t happen again.”
Justice secretary Humza Yousaf described the events as “totally unacceptable”.
“I have spoken to the leader of Glasgow City Council this morning and welcome the council’s strong statement of intent,” he said. “I reiterated that the Scottish Government stands ready to support the council in any way we can.
“We will take the necessary actions to keep our streets safe from the sectarian thuggery we witnessed last night.
“Scotland is a diverse, multicultural and tolerant society and any form of violent disorder is completely and utterly unacceptable to the Scottish Government and the vast majority of Scots.”
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