A PROTEST will be held in Glasgow on Saturday to reclaim George Square after it was overrun by racist thugs twice in the last week.

This weekend’s demonstration, organised by Glasgow Unite Against Fascism, will send a message that the city opposes all forms of racism and bigotry.

Last Sunday, members of the public and journalists were subjected to violence and threats from groups claiming to “defend statues” in the city. 

And on Wednesday a far-right mob led by the National Defence League targeted a peaceful gathering of asylum seekers in George Square, who were shining a light on the horrific conditions they are forced to live in. 

Organisers of Saturday’s protest said: “It would be a betrayal to the memory of all those who gave their lives to defeat fascism for us to now allow Nazi salutes and racist intimidation and aggression in George Square.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf both condemned the earlier far-right gatherings, but a government spokesperson told the Star that no protests should be taking place at present due to the threat of coronavirus. 

The latest protest comes after Scotland’s Police Federation came under fire for claiming that “both sides” in last week’s clashes were “as guilty as the other,” and that protesters should be prepared to be arrested.   

Anti-racist campaigner and lawyer Aamer Anwar slammed the statement, branding it “shamefully grotesque” for equating “the actions of thousands of peaceful Scottish protesters with the actions of far-right racist thugs.”