COPS have condemned protesters and racist yobs for breaking lockdown laws after chaos in Glasgow last night.
Shocking scenes broke out in George Square when peaceful protesters lobbying for safe conditions for asylum seekers were faced with Loyalist yobs making Hitler salutes and claiming to 'defend' statues.
READ MORE: Glasgow politicians hit out at Loyalist violence in George Square
But the Police Federation, which represents rank and file officers, condemned the response from politicians, as well protesters, and said it was making their job harder in enforcing coronavirus laws.
It was pointed out that families were not able to mourn in groups larger than ten at funerals - but there was no consequence for those who turned out en mass for Black Lives Matter demos and at clashes last night.
Chairman of the Scottish Police Federation, David Hamilton, said: “When our politicians fail to condemn the actions of those who defy the law, we cannot be surprised that it is increasingly difficult for police officers to enforce the law.
"The public cannot expect the police service to turn a blind eye to those who break the law in the name of a particular cause whilst demanding different treatment for opponents.
"Events in George Square yesterday evening have laid in tatters any suggestion that non-compliance with the Coronavirus restrictions is a serious issue.
"At the same time as these protests, demonstrations, and general thuggery take place on our streets, we are expecting our citizens to believe that compliance with wider public health guidance matters.
"It is simply unacceptable that individuals and groups can consider that gathering together under the guise of any particular cause in the midst of a global health pandemic is in any way justifiable.
"Those who gather are breaking the law pure and simple.
"At the same time as a family is unable to have more than ten people mourn the death of a loved one, hundreds and thousands are able to gather with impunity and without criticism, simply by carrying a banner or a placard.
"There is no moral high ground to be claimed.
"The sooner our politicians decide what matters more, appeasement or
the health of our nation, the sooner we can stop wasting valuable resources on the managing of illegal gatherings."
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