Two arrested amid aggressive scenes during demonstrations in Glasgow

Two men have been arrested after aggressive scenes broke out during demonstrations in Glasgow.

Around 2,000 anti-racism activists gathered in George Square on Saturday to counter-protest against a “Pro-UK rally” backed by right-wing activist Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.

The counter-protest gathering was organised by Stand Up to Racism Scotland in coalition with trade unions and refugee rights organisations.

A smaller group of anti-immigration protesters gathered in front of the war memorial in George Square.

Police attended the scene and the two groups were separated by barriers for the duration of the demonstrations.

The force confirmed that a 40-year-old man was arrested for a hate crime, and a 20-year-old man was arrested for “carrying an offensive weapon”.

They added that enquiries were “ongoing”.

Officers also contained a small group of people to engage with them and “maintain public safety”.

The protests come after demonstrations across the UK following scenes of unrest in England and Northern Ireland last month.

The riots unfolded after the killing of three girls in Southport after which false claims were spread online that the suspect was a Muslim asylum seeker who had arrived in the UK by boat.

The disinformation resulted in asylum seekers, refugees, and Muslims and their mosques being targeted.

Ahead of the protest, Police Scotland assistant chief constable Gary Ritchie said violence and disorder will be dealt with “swiftly and robustly”.

“We are aware of a planned protest in George Square, Glasgow, on Saturday, September 7, and a proportionate policing plan is in place,” he said.

“Police Scotland is a rights-based organisation and we have been engaging directly with the protest groups to ensure public safety, while balancing their right to peacefully demonstrate.”

Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aiken, who attended the anti-racism rally, called for a “celebration of this diverse, multicultural city”.

Aitken is set to present a motion condemning the far-right at a council meeting next week.

“I think it’s very important that elected leaders use their voices to provide not just reassurance but solidarity for the folk who have been targeted by far-right ideologues and criminals and thugs,” she said.

“To make it loud and clear that I, as leader of the city, are on your side, not theirs. I reject what they stand for.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “A proportionate policing plan was in place for a planned protest in George Square, Glasgow, today.

“A 40-year-old man was arrested for a hate crime and a 20-year-old man was arrested for carrying an offensive weapon. Enquiries remain ongoing.

“Officers contained a small group of people to engage with them, maintain public safety and minimise disruption.

“Containment is an approved tactic used by highly trained officers where a breach of the peace is taking place or is reasonably thought to be imminent.”