Glasgow politicians hit out at Loyalist violence in George Square

Six people have been arrested so far after the Loyalist Defence League disrupted a protest by the No Evictions Group in George Square.  

It is understood that four arrested said they were there to “protect statues” and two said they were part of the No Evictions group. 

WATCH: Angry scenes as right wing group gathers in George Square ahead of asylum seeker rally

No Evictions Network attended the square to protest the treatment of asylum seekers by their accommodation provider Mears. 

READ MORE: Scottish Protestants Against Discrimination hits out at Nicola Sturgeon for reaction to Loyalist violence in Glasgow

The ugly scenes have been called "disgraceful" by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon while leading lawyer Aamer Anwar hit out at the far right thugs. 

Here's how Glasgow reacted to last night's violence

Disgraceful scenes in Glasgow tonight. Racist thugs shame Scotland. If they break the law, they should face the full force of it. And all of us should unite to say that welcoming refugees and asylum seekers is part of who we are. https://t.co/YL7M4YVhLN

— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) June 17, 2020

Briefed by Police Scotland on disorder in George Sq. Let's not mince our words, this has nothing to do with statues and everything to do with racist thuggery.

Police have made a number of arrests already and will continue to take all necessary action against those responsible.

— Humza Yousaf (@HumzaYousaf) June 17, 2020

They come once again to defend statues? Shouting ‘Fenian Bastards’, singing ‘Rule Brittania’ whilst attacking asylum seekers protesting their living conditions - these are our streets, these Far-Right racist thugs cannot be allowed to do this pic.twitter.com/cEx5xRjKqX

— Aamer Anwar🎗✊🏽#BlackLivesMatter (@AamerAnwar) June 17, 2020

The bigotry on display in Glasgow this evening has no place in a tolerant, open society and must be condemned. https://t.co/M0Sfx7Enle

— Richard Leonard (@LabourRichard) June 17, 2020

#GeorgeSquare tonight has been utterly shameful. Anyone trying to say it was caused by people protecting the cenotaph are condoning and encouraging racism. These people are bigoted racists, and it makes me ashamed that it has happened in my home city. We are better than this.

— Hannah Rodger (@HRwritesnews) June 17, 2020

Shocked to see the scenes earlier tonight in Glasgow.

Neither racism nor bigotry have any place in the Scotland in which we all aspire to live.

— Jackson Carlaw MSP (@Jackson_Carlaw) June 17, 2020

I said this in my @Glasgow_Times column today. I’m sickened that I’m having to repeat it so soon. Peacefully protesting asylum seekers, some of our most vulnerable residents, were attacked by racists tonight. Glasgow has stood against fascism before & the city will do so again. pic.twitter.com/e9BP557d5a

— Susan Aitken (@SusaninLangside) June 17, 2020

Someone might have been thoughtful enough to mention that the refugees aren’t from Ireland and it isn’t 200 years ago... https://t.co/cDOetakQgb

— Irvine Welsh (@IrvineWelsh) June 17, 2020

The scenes we seen this evening in George Square have been absolutely appalling and do not reflect the Glasgow I know and love.

Any form of bigotry, vandalism or violence has no place in our city.

— Cllr Thomas Kerr (@CllrTKerr) June 17, 2020

I am shocked and appalled at the scenes we have witnessed tonight in my home city.

There is absolutely no place for racism, bigotry or violence in Scotland.

— Annie Wells MSP (@AnnieWellsMSP) June 17, 2020

Glasgow Times gets it right. pic.twitter.com/NWcI0NbQu6

— Mhairi Hunter (@MhairiHunter) June 17, 2020

This was never about statues. Let’s be clear - tonight’s actions at George Square were driven by sheer racism. It has no place in this city. It has no place in the world. @no_evictions were having a peaceful protest about a serious issue & it was hijacked by thugs. Shameful. https://t.co/6ipqoaD9S9

— Cllr Christina Cannon (@ChristinaSNP_) June 17, 2020