The leader of Glasgow City Council has hit out at 'thugs' who caused riot-like scenes in Govan last night.
Hundreds of riot police were called to Govan Road after an organised Irish Republican Band March was met by opposing loyalist supports at around 7pm.
Police have not yet revealed if there were any arrests made, however, the force and the city council have both hit out at the 'unacceptable' scenes.
Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council, said this morning that last night's incident 'can't happen again'.
Taking to Twitter, she said: "The law requires Glasgow City Council to facilitate marches.
The law requires @GlasgowCC to facilitate marches. Cllrs try very hard to balance public protection & human rights. But last night, thugs obsessed with ancient hatreds used our city to stage an appalling abuse of the right to process and protest. This can’t happen again. pic.twitter.com/xo2AEN3w4T
— Susan Aitken (@SusaninLangside) August 31, 2019
"Councillors try very hard to balance public protection & human rights.
"But last night, thugs obsessed with ancient hatreds used our city to stage an appalling abuse of the right to process and protest.
"This can’t happen again."
Councillor Aitken echoed a statement made on behalf of the council last night, wherein a spokesman branded those involved in the violence as 'morons', and said the city 'needs and wants fewer marches'.
Scotland's justice secretary Humza Yousaf also took to Twitter to comment on the incident.
He said: "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."
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