Nicola Sturgeon says disorder on Govan Road was ‘utterly unacceptable’ and welcomes council review

This article is more than 1 year old

This article is more than 1 year old

Police have promised a “thorough and robust” inquiry after protesters against an Irish unity march sparked a riot in Glasgow.

Riot police, mounted officers, a force helicopter and dog units were used to help quell “significant disorder”.

The first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, condemned the disorder. She tweeted: “What happened in Govan last night was utterly unacceptable.”

She added: “I welcome Glasgow city council’s commitment to review the procedures around marches. Peaceful protest is a part of our democracy – violent and sectarian disruption is not.”

Police said the planned march through the city’s Govan area, organised by the James Connolly Republican Flute Band, was met by hundreds of “disruptive” counter-demonstrators at about 7pm.

Witnesses reported smoke bombs being used. The force said this had led to “significant disorder” around Govan Road, which was blocked by officers.

Ch Supt 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.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Govan Road in Glasgow was blocked by police. Photograph: John Aitken/PA

“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.

“Police Scotland will undertake a thorough and robust inquiry, and take any necessary action against those found to have been causing disruption.”

The council tweeted a statement calling the events in Govan “unacceptable” and saying there had been too many similar incidents over the past year.

It continued: “The council is clear that the law expects it to facilitate public processions; including those that some people oppose or find offensive.

“However, this cannot continue to be at the expense of the overwhelming majority of Glaswegians, who want nothing to do with these marches, or counter-protests.

“The city needs and wants fewer marches. We are prepared to consider any action that will protect communities from morons intent on bringing mayhem to the streets of our city.”

Scotland’s justice minister, Humza Yousaf, tweeted: