Two men arrested after riot police called in to quell ‘significant’ disorder in Glasgow

Two men have been arrested after riot police, mounted officers, a force helicopter and dog units were used to quell  “significant disorder” in Glasgow after protests against an Irish unity march sparked violence.

The planned march organised by the James Connolly Republican Flute Band was met by hundreds of “disruptive” counter demonstrators in the city’s Govan area at around 7pm on Friday, police said.

The force said this lead to “significant disorder” around Govan Road, which was blocked by officers.

Witnesses reported smoke bombs being used.

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.

“A range of policing resources are in place as part of a multi-agency response.

“Specialist public order officers in full protective equipment, the mounted section, air support and dog units have been deployed, and we are using proportionate tactics to de-escalate the situation as quickly and safely as possible.

“Police Scotland will undertake a thorough and robust enquiry, and take any necessary action against those found to have been causing disruption.”

Govan Subway Station was closed due to the incident, but has since reopened.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has condemned what happened.

In a Tweet on Saturday, she said: “What happened in Govan last night was utterly unacceptable.

“My thanks to Police Scotland for their response. I welcome Glasgow City Council’s commitment to review the procedures around marches.

“Peaceful protest is a part of our democracy – violent and sectarian disruption is not.”

Glasgow City Council also said the scenes were “unacceptable”.

A spokesperson added: “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 counter-protests.

“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.”

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said the Scottish government “stands ready to support the council in any way we can”.

He added: “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.”

In a statement on Saturday, Police Scotland said: “Two men, aged 37 and 21, have been arrested and charged following an incident of public disorder in the Govan area of Glasgow on Friday 30 August 2019.

“A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

“Both are expected to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday 2 September 2019.”

(c) Sky News 2019: Two men arrested after riot police called in to quell ‘significant’ disorder in Glasgow