LONDON: Police in Scotland said on Saturday officers responding to “disorder in various areas of Glasgow city centre” had made a number of arrests, after anti-immigration and anti-racism protesters staged duelling demonstrations.

Unverified footage posted on social media showed scuffles and violent confrontations between the two rival groupings in and around Glasgow Green, a park southeast of the city centre.

Police, including officers on horses, could been seen intervening, with attendees on both sides wearing masks. Anti-immigration group Unite The Clans Scotland had advertised a protest there starting at 12pm (1100 GMT) under the banner “save our women and children” and “protect our future”.

The Stand Up To Racism organisation held a counter-demonstration, saying it was “opposing the far right in Glasgow”.

“Police are responding to incidents of disorder in relation to planned protest in Glasgow Green,” Police Scotland said in a mid-afternoon statement. “A significant policing operation is in place... and a number of arrests have already been made.

“We understand the concern this is causing in the community and anyone with concerns can approach officers,” the force added. “This is a particularly challenging situation, and officers are working hard to bring this incident to an end.” The Glasgow Green rally was the latest in a series of protests around immigration in Scotland’s largest city, while towns and cities in neighbouring England have seen numerous similarly themed demonstrations — some turning violent — in recent years.

Published in Dawn, July 26th, 2026