Crowds gather in George Square for anti-racism protest amid a heavy police presence

Organised by Stand up to Racism Glasgow, in its event page the action promised to remain “socially distanced” whilst sending a “positive anti-racist message”. 

However, protesters from a loyalist group have once again promised to attend claiming to “protect” the statues. 

The National Defence League called upon its supporters to gather in George Square from 10am, half an hour earlier than the planned start for the anti-racism rally. 

About two dozen people gathered in counter-protest on the opposite side of the square by the Glasgow Cenotaph.

READ MORE: Anti-racism group to hold rally in George Square tomorrow after thugs disrupted peaceful protest

Dozens of officers line the square which is surrounded by riot vans. 

Two lines of officers split George Square in half, with a  mounted force at the stand-by.

Police have announced they are within their right to search any individual or vehicle across Glasgow throughout the day after issuing an order under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994. 

A statement by Police Scotland reads: "In relation to protests in #George Square today Police Scotland has imposed an Order under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.

"This allows police to search any individual or vehicle within the Greater Glasgow area until 11:59pm tonight."

Organisers of Saturday's anti-racism rally started the event with pleas to keep a two-metre distance.

Chants of "refugees are welcome here" spread through the crowd after protesters took the knee for George Floyd.

The protest comes on World Refugee Day, with the event page stating, “we want to reiterate our opposition to racism and the treatment of asylum seekers in our city who are being abandoned, made destitute and treated like dirt by the UK Govt’s Hostile Environment”. 

"On UN World Refugee Day we say it loud and clear—refugees are welcome here."

The group has also urged those attending to wear a mask, follow social distancing measures, and not use public transport.

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

Multiple speakers addressed the group gathered in the city centre, in his speech Andrew Fulwood of EIS stressed a need for curriculum reform. 

He said: "It is radically important that we look at changing the curriculum in our school, to include anti-racism.”

The organiser of the Black Lives Matter protest which took place in Glasgow Green, Barrington Reeves, also spoke at the rally. 

He told the Glasgow Times: "I think it is important that we show up today and that we keep showing up as many times as we have to show up. 

"The more the right show up, the more we need to bring out a bigger presence because the message has to be that we will not be moved. We won't be bowing down.

"This is our city and we are here to make a stand."

READ MORE: Glasgow houses shake in 'massive explosion' as plumes of smoke stretch across city in Duke Street fire

Towards the end of the rally, police moved to kettle one group on the side of the anti-racism protesters. 

It is understood police guided the group through Glasgow in the direction of the Gallowgate surrounded by officers. 

Officers claimed the kettled group was identified as "football risk supporters".

CS Alan Murray, policing lead, said: "We identified a group as football risk supporters, who we believed posed a threat to public safety.

"We spoke with this group and, at their request, escorted them to the Gallowgate area of the city where they dispersed."

James Kelly, MSP for the Glasgow area, wrote on Twitter: "I am picking up concerns with the way the peaceful protest in George Square has been handled by the police.

"I will be looking into this matter and will raise any legitimate concerns with the police."

Chief Superintendent Alan Murray said: "Significant police resources were deployed at George Square to prevent the disgraceful scenes of violence and disorder witnessed in recent days.

"Those who turned up to protest were facilitated with an appropriate policing response and I would like to thank all officers involved for their professionalism in preventing trouble and maintaining public safety.

"Acting on information, at the end of protest around midday, officers contained a large group of people, including individuals identified as football risk supporters, who we believed posed a threat to public safety both within George Square and at other locations.

"We engaged with this group and, at their request, escorted them to the Gallowgate area of the city where they dispersed.

"As part of our response, Police Scotland also imposed an Order under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.

"This allows police to search any individual or vehicle within the Greater Glasgow area and covers the city to help maintain public safety in all areas.

"Our robust response will continue across the country and anyone intent on causing violence and disorder should expect arrest."