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An anti-sectarian charity has said the the right to march or protest is 'not absolute' ahead of a Republican march in Glasgow .

The West of Scotland Band Alliance is holding a Bloody Sunday memorial march on Saturday to highlight what happened on Bloody Sunday in Derry” on January 30, 1972, when 14 unarmed civilians were killed by British soldiers during a protest march.

They are set be met by Loyalist counter-protesters after a Facebook event set up by the National Defence League (NDL) called for “all Loyalists” to disrupt the parade.

Anti-sectarian charity Nil by Mouth supports the rights of both sides to parade and protest, but says these rights are 'not absolute' and that anyone breaking the law must be held to account.

(Image: PA)

Nil by Mouth Director Dave Scott said: "The right to parade and protest - within reason - are legally protected.

"If march organisers go through the proper channels and their application has been debated and approved by a cross party group of Councillors then it goes ahead.

"Likewise the right to protest against something we disagree with.

"However, these rights are qualified -not absolute- and if those parading or protesting break the law or cause alarm to others police action must be taken and individuals or groups held accountable for their actions."

His words come after violence flared during a Republican march in August last year.

Riot police were deployed to the centre of Govan after rival factions became locked in a major violent stand-off.

The James Connolly Republican Flute Band attempted to take part in an "Irish Unity March" around the area and were met by Loyalists who tried to block their parade.

Loyalist demonstrators also protested against two further Republican marches in the city centre just weeks later with a huge police presence brought in to keep the two rival groups apart.

Police Scotland say Saturday's march will be policed 'appropriately' and that safety is their priority.

Chief Superintendent Mark Hargreaves said: "We are aware of a notification of a procession taking place.

"As with any such event planning is in place to ensure is will be policed appropriately

"The priority is to ensure the safety of all involved in any event and of the wider community."