Swinney slams Glasgow protest as ‘demonstration of far-right hatred’

Police cordons separated both sides of the park and surrounding roads as an estimated 1700 attended.

A number of attendees at the rally were filmed performing what appeared to be Nazi salutes in videos which circulated on social media.

At various locations disparate groups engaged in acts of violence, disorder, intimidation and hate motivated offences including a large group of approximately 100 people who made their way through the city centre. (Image: Lesley Martin)

Read More: 'Knock on door' to come after 'deplorable acts' during Glasgow protest

A large group of people moved away from Glasgow Green and made their way through Glasgow City Centre, where they engaged in further disorder.

Arrests were made for possession of an offensive weapon, assault, breach of the peace, obstruction and resisting arrest, with police saying some at the park arrived with the “intention for pre-meditated disorder, violence and intimidation”.

Read More:

Police cordons were separating both sides in the park and on surrounding roads. (Image: Gordon Terris)

Speaking to the Press Association on Monday, First Minister John Swinney said the scenes were “completely and utterly unacceptable”.

He said: “It was a demonstration of far-right hatred within the city of Glasgow at a time when the city was also welcoming representatives of 74 Commonwealth countries in a joyful set of sporting occasions throughout the city.

“I thought the behaviour at the demonstrations was totally and utterly unacceptable, it is just unworthy of our streets to have the far-right rhetoric that was spewed out onto our streets, and the violence that went with it.

“I fully support Police Scotland and the effective measures that they took to bring the situation under control and I look forward to those responsible being brought to justice.”

There was “plenty of hateful behaviour being demonstrated at these demonstrations at the weekend”, the First Minister added.

First Minister John Swinney (Image: Michael Schofield/ PA Wire)

In a statement released on Sunday, Chief Superintendent Emma Croft said the scenes were “nothing short of disgraceful”, adding: “A significant investigation is already under way and my message is clear – if you were involved in these deplorable acts, you should expect our officers to be knocking on your door.”

A Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) has been set up to encourage members of the public to submit information directly to officers. We would appeal to anyone with footage or photos of criminality related to the disorder in Glasgow on Saturday to upload it using the online form here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT26S14-PO1

Information can also be passed to Police Scotland via 101 quoting Operation Cornstarch. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.