Counter-protesters clash with anti-racism rally in Glasgow

Rival protesters have clashed in Glasgow after thousands gathered in the city centre for an anti-racism rally.

The "reclaim our streets - stand up to the far right" demonstration, organised by Stand Up To Racism, came in response to unrest in Belfast in the wake of a knife attack on Monday in which Stephen Ogilvie lost an eye and suffered deep cuts to his head, face and back.

His attacker, Sudanese national Hadi Alodid, appeared in Belfast Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, where he was charged with attempted murder and was remanded in custody.

But they were met with a small group of counter-protesters, who were fenced off by police, but the group eventually spilled out on to Bath Street.

Some of the counter-protesters performed what appeared to be Nazi salutes during the clash.

Projectiles were thrown towards the anti-racism group, while an egg appeared to be thrown towards counter-protesters.

Counter-protesters - most of whom wore balaclavas or other face coverings - were also heard shouting anti-Islam chants while anti-racism protesters shouted back "off our streets".

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Police Scotland say the disorder saw people in the city targeted due to the colour of their skin, while a local mosque was forced to lock worshippers inside for their safety.

It says it had a "significant operation" in place to "ensure the safety of the public and to minimise disruption", and that the protest passed "without major incident".

A 53-year-old man was arrested for threatening a police officer, while another was struck by an egg.

Police also issued city centre dispersal notices for their conduct after the protest, but did not say how many.

"We did warn that officers would respond decisively and robustly to keep communities safe and I want to thank the public for their patience while the demonstration took place," says Chief Superintendent Stevie Dolan.

Police are also investigating a number of reported hate crimes.

The clash comes as around 3,000 people gathered in Belfast for an anti-racism demonstration in response to the unrest in the city following Monday's attack.

(c) Sky News 2026: Counter-protesters clash with anti-racism rally in Glasgow