GLASGOW City Council has responded to claims it discriminated against protestants when it rerouted an Apprentice Boys of Derry procession.

Scottish Protestants Against Discrimination have planned a protest against the local authority, which it claims "attacked the culture and beliefs" of protestants by blocking a bid to march along the same spot where Canon Tom White was spat at during an Orange Order parade last year.

They claimed the move created a "no-go" zone around the St Alphonsus Church.

As the Evening Times previously reported, Rangers fan groups have now also vowed to join the demonstration on April 27 outside the City Chambers.

Read more: Rangers fan group join protest against 'Protestant discrimination' by Glasgow City Council

However, a spokesman for GCC branded the claims a "fundamental misunderstanding".

He said: “This is a fundamental misunderstanding of the legislation on public processions.

“There is no such thing as a no-go area for any organisation. In reality, a procession passed the site in question earlier this year.

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“In the case of the event planned for Easter Sunday, our Public Processions Committee heard evidence from Police Scotland that there was a significant potential for serious disorder if the procession went ahead on its intended route.

"This was based on intelligence relating to protests and counter-protests on the day.”