AT least one band member has been expelled after Saturday’s annual Orange parade through Glasgow City Centre.

The Orange Order confirmed action has been taken following footage posted on social media.

The expulsion comes as the priest who was spat on at last year’s annual Boyne parade issued a statement condemning actions of some participants this year and criticising public authorities.

READ MORE: Arrests at Orange walk

Footage on social media emerged which showed a woman attempting to cross the road by walking through the parade being held back by one band member and then shouted at and spat at by another band member.

Canon Tom White said: “I feel it is now time to hold to account those in public office: the Scottish Government, Police Scotland and Glasgow City Council for failing in their statutory duties. There is a systemic failure at national and local level in ensuring the safety of all citizens, and particularly the minority Catholic group, during the Loyal Order marching season.”

A spokesman for the Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland said: “Any incidents of unacceptable behaviour will be investigated and disciplinary action taken if applicable.

“We have already contacted one band from the parade on Saturday and that has led to the expulsion of at least one member.”

“Looking ahead, we will continue to seek to build on the positive steps we have taken with senior members of the Catholic Church in Scotland to work together on shared solutions where all religions show mutual respect and tolerance.”

READ MORE: Orange Order in talks

It was however critical of Canon White and said he has refused to meet with them and said he supports a group who promotes singing “banned Irish republican rebel songs”.

The spokesman added: “We are however a little surprised to see Canon White, who has refused to meet with us for over a year, speaking so strongly about songs he perceives to be offensive, whilst at the same time actively promoting information in his statement supplied by ‘Call it Out’, a group whose members have campaigned to be able to sing banned Irish republican rebel songs to taunt rival fans at football matches.  This is something he may wish to reflect on.”

Police respodned to the claims Canon White leveled at their operations.

Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins said: "Public safety is a priority for Police Scotland and we also respect the right to assembly.
"The decision to amend the route, the timing or prohibit any procession is a matter for the relevant local authority. However, Police Scotland is committed
to assisting councils to make an informed decision by making appropriate representations on notifications which could potentially significantly risk public safety, disorder, damage to property or disruption to the life of the community.
"In advance of any procession a comprehensive and appropriate policing and traffic management plan will be put in place to ensure the safety of those taking part, anyone taking part in a lawful counter demonstration and to minimise the potential for disruption to the local community.
"We will work closely with councils, the organisers and other stakeholders to facilitate a procession and any counter demonstration safely. Police Scotland is happy to engage with any organisation or member of the public to discuss our policing of these events."Retrospective enquiries are under way regarding certain aspects of this weekend's events. As with any operational activity, Police Scotland will review its policing plan to establish what learning can be taken from this deployment."

A Glasgow City Council spokesman said: “The city was, rightly, disgusted by the attack on Canon White a year ago and we should all condemn threatening and abusive behaviour.

“However, it is simply incorrect to say that the council has the legal power to do what it is being asked to do.

“It is also important to be clear that our statutory obligations are broader and considerably more complex than is suggested here.”

A spokesman for the Archdiocese of Glasgow said: “Canon White’s concerns are shared by many people of all faiths and none. The thuggish scenes at last weekend’s marches were shameful. It’s for the Police and city council to act to ensure such scenes are not repeated.”