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Anti fascist protesters hugged as they were cleared of charges relating to violent clashes with Neo-Nazis .

Ryan Bate, 23, and Colin Farrell, 51, had been accused of “directing left wing protesters” during a mass brawl between the rival groups outside St George’s Hall in the city centre, on February 27 last year.

A protest by far-right organisations the North West Infidels and the now banned Nazi terrorist group National Action led to running battles with the anti-fascist groups.

(Image: James Maloney)

The far right group included a faction from Poland, who were involved in violent skirmishes with opposing activists.

Objects including fireworks and stones were thrown at police cordons, while several people were treated for injuries including a police officer who suffered concussion.

The pair let out sighs of relief after a jury at Liverpool Crown Court found them not guilty of assisting or encouraging the offences of affray and violent disorder after around two hours of deliberation.

Farrell, from Speke trembled with emotion while Bate, from St Helens, wiped tears from his eyes as supporters in the public gallery let out a collective sigh of relief.

A third man, Ronald Holleran, 50, of Upton in Chester, had been cleared of the same charge part-way through the trial.

Two other men, Daniel Davies, aged 30, of Norris Green and John Smith, also 30, of Toxteth , have pleaded guilty to violent disorder in relation to the trouble and will be sentenced on a date to be fixed.

A series of cases are proceeding through the courts in relation to other men charged over the clashes.