Riot police in Scotland have dealt with what they've described as a "large scale disturbance" in Glasgow.
It's after a planned Irish unity march by the James Connolly Republican Flute Band was met with a "disruptive counter-protest" at around 7pm last night.
A significant police presence was required - including specialist riot police, mounted officers, air support and dog units.
Today, police said two men - aged 21 and 37 - had been arrested and charged following the disorder last night.
Chief superintendent Mark Hargreaves said: "Police Scotland has a duty to facilitate processions and any peaceful protest, but this kind of behaviour by persons demonstrating against the parade is utterly unacceptable.
"It is extremely disappointing to see people acting in this fashion, causing fear and alarm to members of the public as well as putting many people at risk."
Police added they will take "any necessary action" against those found to have been causing disruption.
Reaction
Scottish First Minister said last night's events were "utterly unacceptable".
She added that "violent and sectarian disruption" is not part of the country's democracy.
What happened in Govan last night was utterly unacceptable. My thanks to @policescotland for their response. I welcome Glasgow City Council’s commitment to review the procedures around marches. Peaceful protest is a part of our democracy - violent and sectarian disruption is not. https://t.co/nOdNt0FNBq
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) August 31, 2019
Earlier, the local council had also described the scenes in the Govan area as unacceptable - claiming the city "needs and wants fewer marches".
Statement on disorder in #Govan this evening. pic.twitter.com/5vBojA2Yrz
— Glasgow City Council 🇺🇦 (@GlasgowCC) August 30, 2019
They said in a statement: "The council is clear that the law expects it to facilitate public processions; including those that some people oppose or find offensive.
"However, this cannot continue to be at the expense of the overwhelming majority of Glaswegians, who want nothing to do with these marches, or counter-protests."
It adds they will consider any action to protect communities "from morons intent on bringing mayhem" to the city's streets.
