A protest in Glasgow which resulted in 15 arrests has been branded a “demonstration of far-right hatred” by First Minister John Swinney.
Violence erupted at Glasgow Green on Saturday between attendees at a rally organised by Unite the Clans and a larger counter-protest.
A number of attendees at the rally were filmed performing what appeared to be Nazi salutes in videos which circulated on social media.
Arrests were made for possession of an offensive weapon, assault, breach of the peace, obstruction and resisting arrest, with police saying some at the park arrived with the “intention for pre-meditated disorder, violence and intimidation”.
Speaking to the Press Association on Monday, First Minister John Swinney said the scenes were “completely and utterly unacceptable”.
“It was a demonstration of far-right hatred within the city of Glasgow at a time when the city was also welcoming representatives of 74 Commonwealth countries in a joyful set of sporting occasions throughout the city.
“I thought the behaviour at the demonstrations was totally and utterly unacceptable, it is just unworthy of our streets to have the far-right rhetoric that was spewed out onto our streets, and the violence that went with it.
“I fully support Police Scotland and the effective measures that they took to bring the situation under control and I look forward to those responsible being brought to justice.”
There was “plenty of hateful behaviour being demonstrated at these demonstrations at the weekend”, the First Minister added.
In a statement released on Sunday, Chief Superintendent Emma Croft said the scenes were “nothing short of disgraceful”, adding: “A significant investigation is already under way and my message is clear – if you were involved in these deplorable acts, you should expect our officers to be knocking on your door.”
