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Rally opposes 'anti-Islamic' demo Clashes after rival city marches
(about 12 hours later)
Strathclyde Police has put in place a major operation to prevent trouble at two opposing demonstrations in Glasgow. Two rival marches in Glasgow have led to a number of skirmishes in the city.
The Scottish Defence League (SDL)- an offshoot of the English Defence League - plans to hold an "anti-Islamic' demonstration in the city later. About 1,500 anti-racism protesters marched through the city under the banner Scotland United, in opposition to the Scottish Defence League (SDL).
At the same time, a group called Scotland United is staging a celebration of multiculturalism in Glasgow to oppose the SDL rally. The SDL - an offshoot of the English Defence League - had been attempting to hold an "anti-Islamic" demonstration.
Scotland United is backed by trade unions, politicians and faith groups. There were clashes outside Central Station and at several points around the city centre. Police said they had made three arrests.
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is among the speakers at the Scotland United rally, organised to oppose the views of those involved with the SDL. The Scotland United rally, backed by trade unions, politicians and faith groups, gathered at Glasgow Green and marched to George Square.
Public safety is paramount for the police, and should any event turn out to pose a risk to public safety then we will respond accordingly Assistant Chief Constable Fiona TaylorStrahclyde Police Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was among those attending the rally, organised to oppose the views of those involved with the SDL.
It will be followed by a march through the city centre and will culminate in a minute's silence at George Square for victims of racial violence. Police said about 70 SDL protesters gathered in Cambridge Street, north of the city centre, and there were clashes.
Strathclyde Police Assistant Chief Constable Fiona Taylor said the force was "fully prepared" for both events. The SDL protesters, some with their faces partly covered with scarves, sang songs and chanted "SDL" as they held their demonstration.
"A significant amount of planning and preparation has been undertaken by the force and a detailed policing plan is in place with sufficient resources available to respond to any incidents," she said. Supporters of the controversial group, some waving flags or holding SDL banners, were surrounded by police officers who kept them apart from a group of counter-protesters who had congregated in the area.
"We would like to reassure members of the public who intend to come into the city on Saturday that our aim is to keep disruption to a minimum. However, we would suggest that people allow extra time for their journey. Shouts of "scum" were hurled in the direction of the SDL by some onlookers, while the group responded by clapping and waving at those who objected to their presence.
"As always, public safety is paramount for the police, and should any event turn out to pose a risk to public safety then we will respond accordingly." Boarded buses
Avoiding confrontation Hundreds of police officers had gathered in Cambridge Street in a bid to prevent disruption during the static protest.
The time and location of the SDL protest is not yet known. Dozens of police cars and vans lined the streets in the Cowcaddens area and police motorcyclists circled around the area while a police helicopter kept watch from above.
Organisers and supporters of the Scotland United rally said it would be a peaceful event celebrating Scotland's multiculturalism. The demonstration ended when the SDL protesters boarded buses to take them away from the area.
Osama Saeed, of the Scottish Islamic Foundation, said: "For the first time in a generation the far-right are attempting to march in Glasgow. The SDL were dispersed to other parts of the city, police said. There was later a heavy police presence in the Paisley Road area to the south of the city centre.
"What we're seeing is Scottish civil society rising to that challenge. A spokeswoman for Strathclyde Police estimated about 70 people took part in the SDL protest and said some 1,500 attended the Scotland United rally at George Square.
"It was a challenge but also an opportunity for us to celebrate all that is best about our diversity and multiculturalism and to show, crucially, colleagues in England how to manage this." A force spokeswoman said that three men have been arrested - one in connection with an alleged racial breach of the peace in the Ibrox area.
The other two were arrested in connection with alleged breaches of the peace in the city centre and in the Central Station area, the spokeswoman said.