A LEADING anti-sectarian charity has called for cops to hand out banning orders on violent thugs who are arrested at religious marches. 

The call is for a sentence disposal similar to a football banning order which is handed out by the criminal and civil courts in Scotland. Football fans who are arrested or have proceedings brought against them after committing a crime at a game can be handed such an order by the courts. 

It comes after four loyalist parades were given the go-ahead this weekend. 

READ MORE: Govan loyalist band refuses to withdraw marches after request from Glasgow City Council

David Scott of Nil by Mouth told The Scottish Sun said: “It should be quite clear if the protest is going to become a problem then it’s very important that the police deal with people if they feel there is going to be violence.

“I think it’s very important that the police need to start making arrests and knocking on doors. In football for example, we have banning orders where people can’t go near football grounds.

“Is there some way we can use the law to have marching banning orders where people aren’t allowed near a march?

“We’ve had a lot of posturing and people saying they are peaceful law-abiding citizens — well, Saturday is their chance to prove it.”

We reported yesterday that the Pride of Govan Flute Band's event will go ahead despite council officials asking organisers to call the parade off. 

The march is one of four loyalist parades taking place throughout the city on Saturday, which will go ahead after an announcement by the council that a public processions committee would not take place. 

Bosses at the council now say, in the case of the Pride of Govan Flute Band, this is because police warned there could be serious disorder if the procession is prevented. 

However, they have also said they would be able to police it either way.

Last week, a decision was taken to prohibit all parades through the city over the weekend, with six loyalist and republicans events not held. 

However, loyalist and protestant groups gathered for a protest at George Square, claiming the move was 'illegal'. 

Glasgow Times: