GLASGOW City Council has said they will take action over marches after riot scenes in Govan tonight.
The local authority issued the strong statement in the aftermath of trouble between an organised Irish Republican March and a counter loyalist group who were protesting.
Violent scenes emerged from the areas showing police battling to keep the peace.
Now the local authority has issued the following statement.
Scotland’s justice secretary Humza Yousaf also took to Twitter to hit out at the incident.
Thank you to Police Scotland for dealing with this incident robustly - utterly depressing to see this divisive thuggery on our streets. Note Glasgow City Council will now take steps to review their procedures on marches & parades and take necessary actions to keep our City safe https://t.co/TuIUOD7zrR
— Humza Yousaf (@HumzaYousaf) August 30, 2019
Police Scotland described the counter-demonstration as ‘disruptive’ with hundreds rioting in the Elder Park area.
They did not confirm if anyone has been injured or if any arrests have been made.
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."
We previously reported that specialist public order officers from Police Scotland were trying to contain the full-scale riot.
It is also understood that opposing sides were throwing missiles, setting off flares and trying to fight.
One eyewitness said: “The scenes I’ve just witnessed on the Govan Road is absolutely disgraceful.
“About 60 riot vans, police vans and cars, mounted police, armed police, police with dogs, riots, pubs and shops closing shutters. It’s like an absolute warzone.”
Another eyewitness said: “Well, Govan Road, right outside my window, was the scene of a truly epic standoff between the police and over 100 hooligans.
“There were over 20 riot vans, almost 100 police officers with riot shields and dogs.
“The hooligans created a huge barricade on the road, set several bins on fire before the police started to charge towards them.”
Residents also expressed their anger at the disgraceful scenes.
One said: “Absolute joke, 100 plus police I have just counted on a Friday Night. I don’t care what side Glasgow City Council have no excuse for saying that is ok. Govan is a peaceful place and most of its residents want to keep it that way.”
One video shows at least one hundred police officers trying to contain a running battle by charging towards a group of men backed by mounted officers and vehicles.
Another video shows a group of men chanting, “IRA off our streets”.
Glasgow subway was also forced to close down its operation in Govan on the advice of Police Scotland.
We previously reported on the planned counter-protest by loyalists after social media posts signalled they would attend.
The slogan 'no IRA on our streets' accompanied the post on social media which asked people to gather at the cenotaph on Govan Road.
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