Rival rallies banned over fears of clashes
A PRO-INDEPENDENCE rally and a Loyalist demonstration planned for the same landmark location on the same day have been banned amid police fears of clashes and disorder.
Glasgow City Council has taken the decision to deny Hope Over Fear, organised by supporters of former MSP Tommy Sheridan, permission for a rally in the city’s George Square after a pro-Union group made a rival bid.
Police Scotland informed the city council there would be a “significant risk or potential for disorder” if both went ahead. The council said as a result it had declined both applications.
The Square witnessed ugly scenes on the evening of the referendum result after hundreds of Loyalists gathered, sparking disorder across the city centre.
The Herald understands the rival application had been made by a Lothians-based Loyalist who claimed 3000 people would attend. The applicant had requested a “Union Flag Day party”.
The Hope Over Fear event was due to conclude at 5pm, with the other rally commencing an hour later.
In a message to supporters, Mr Sheridan has called for defiance of the ban and urged them to gather in George Square on September 19.
Blaming the Labour administration in the city for the decision, he said: “Get there by train, bus, bike or car but let’s collectively defy the Labour unionists on Glasgow City Council and demand our right to rally and our right to freedom.”