Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf has condemned “thugs” involved in violent clashes with police in Glasgow on Sunday.

A confrontation broke out between hundreds of demonstrators – who were taking part in a protest organised by the Loyalist Defence League to purportedly protect the statue of Sir Robert Peel – and a group of unidentified counter-protesters, forcing the police to intervene.

Mr Yousaf criticised the “unacceptable” violence in George Square and said: “These individuals involved are thugs, there’s no getting away from that.”

He also said he was ashamed to live in a country in which a photographer was racially abused for doing his job by protesters. 

READ MORE: Photographer was 'racially abused' at George Square protest

He told MSPs: “I was completely appalled by the shameful scenes that took place in George Square last Sunday.

“Firstly, because there never is any excuse for violence or intimidation but also because our police officers have been at the very front line of keeping us safe during this pandemic.

“To then face the disorder as we witnessed on Sunday is unacceptable.

“These scenes were very much in stark contrast to the peaceful Black Lives Matter demonstrations that took place in Scotland the week before.”

Asked about comments from photographer Tommy Ga-Ken Wan, who was attacked and subjected to racist abuse from protesters, Mr Yousaf said he was “deeply moved” by his account.

The Justice Secretary added he was also “very ashamed that we live in a country where somebody would have to suffer that sort of racial abuse so let me give absolute full solidarity to Tommy”.

In his account, which had been shared 7,900 times on Facebook by Tuesday afternoon, Mr Ga-Ken Wan was critical of the way the incident was dealt with by Police Scotland officers.

Glasgow Times: Humza Yousaf Humza Yousaf

He said “the sole response of police officers who witnessed this was to ask me to leave the area”.

Mr Yousaf said the photographer can make a formal complaint to Police Scotland and escalate it if he is not satisfied with their response.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon previously branded the protesters “utterly shameful”.

Speaking at the daily coronavirus press briefing, she said: “Violent protest is never acceptable. I say to anyone that has found themselves on the streets of Glasgow in an altercation with other groups or with the police, that they should really take a long hard look at themselves.

“That is not acceptable behaviour at any time but at this time of crisis that the country faces, I think it’s particularly shameful behaviour.”

READ MORE: Probe launched after Strathclyde student union boss accuses Rangers of 'perpetuating racist politics'

On Sunday, chief superintendent Alan Murray said: “A sizeable number of individuals identified as being from various groups gathered in George Square this morning with a stated intention of protecting statues.

“Throughout the day, police officers were required to intervene due to the presence of opposing groups to maintain order and public safety. Both factions included known football risk groups.

“There have been no arrests in connection with the event today. As is usual with events of this nature, a review will take place and should any criminality be identified, appropriate action will be taken.”