Tense stand-off as protesters gather for demos
ANTI-RACISM GROUPS AND ‘FOOTBALL LADS ALLIANCE’ DESCEND ON CITY CENTRE
SHOPPERS and families looked on as hundreds of protesters and counter-demonstrators flooded into the city-centre streets.
The Football Lads Alliance had a tense stand-off with Stand up to Racism supporters at Castlefield Bowl.
Both United Against Fascism and Manchester Stands up to Racism are understood to have staged counter protests in response to a planned demonstration by the FLA.
Police in high-visibility jackets lined the streets around Castlefield Bowl, with officers from GMP’s Mounted Unit also on hand. Asst Chief Con Vanessa Jardine described the operation afterwards as ‘having gone really well.’ It’s understood FLA supporters began gathering at around 11am, with speeches made at 12.30pm. The counter protesters, armed with banners and signs reading things such as ‘No to Racism’ and ‘We Stand Together - Don’t let the FLA divide us’ met at Manchester Central Library before travelling to Castlefield Bowl, escorted by police.
Both sides were separated by large metal barriers, and despite a number of insults and comments being exchanged, everything is said to have remained fairly peaceful.
The Stand up to Racism group then marched back to Central Library. ACC Jardine afterwards thanked both the public and her officers for their support.
She said: “I would just like to thank all the members of the public who have been out in Manchester today and who have supported the policing operation which has gone really well.
“I’d also like to thank all the police officers that have been involved.
“It’s been a really warm day out there but they have done a fantastic job and I hope you will agree with that and we look forward to seeing you again in the city soon.”