'Toxic' atmosphere at Glasgow Green as eyewitness spat on and kicked during anti-immigration protest

An estimated 200 people joined the anti-immigration protest in Glasgow Green today (Saturday, 25 July), organised by ‘Unite The Clans Scotland’ while around 2,000 anti-fascist protesters gathered outside near the High Court, with the two groups separated by police.

One observer, who does not want to be named, described the atmosphere around Glasgow Green as “toxic”.

He was spat on, kicked and threatened during the protest as members of various far-right groups gathered to protest against immigration.

Read more: Violence erupts at Glasgow Green during anti-immigration protest

Members of the Green Brigade - the Celtic FC supporters group - also appeared and were kettled by police, which attended in large numbers along with officers on horseback.

As police worked to contain the protesters, the observer witnessed an estimated 100 to 150 anti-immigration protesters break away from the main group and attack around a dozen people from the counter protest who had split from the main group.

Speaking to The Scotsman, the eyewitness said: “The police were pretty stretched by this point, there were just too many people, and the anti-immigration protesters managed to break through and reach this group by the bridge. Some were heckled, some were beaten, they were totally outnumbered”

He added: “There was a total air of menace”.

In Pictures: Anti-racism campaigners gather for counter-protest as violence erupts in Glasgow Green

It is the latest in a series of protests around migration in Glasgow.

Tensions have flared in recent weeks with police pinning much of the blame on misinformation online.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We are responding to disorder in various areas of Glasgow City Centre, including at a planned protest on Glasgow Green.

“A significant policing operation is in place, and a number of arrests have already been made.

“Members of the public are being asked to avoid the area at this time, and we understand the concern this is causing in the community.

“Anyone with concerns can approach officers. This is a particularly challenging situation, and officers are working hard to bring this incident to an end.”