Nicola Sturgeon has slammed the behavior of protesters in Glasgow, telling anyone involved in altercations to 'take a long hard look at themselves'.
The First Minister was asked for her response to scenes in Glasgow city centre earlier today which saw police intervene to keep apart protesters and counter-protesters at George Square.
Although Sturgeon reiterated she believes peaceful protest is of 'fundamental importance in the democracy', she said: "People should not be taking part in mass gatherings" amid the covid-19 outbreak, "potentially putting lives at risk and undermining the hard work that our NHS workers and our population as a whole have done."
Furthermore the First Minister criticised 'shameful behaviour' as she commented on the news of police having to respond in Glasgow this afternoon.
She said: "Violent protests are never acceptable.
"I would say to anybody who has found themselves on the streets of Glasgow in an altercation with other groups or in an altercation the police that they should take a long hard look at themselves.
"That is not acceptable behaviour at anytime but at this time of crisis I think it is particularly shameful behaviour.
Underlining the point, Sturgeon appealed to people across the country "to remember the priority is to combat and tackle this virus".
Hundreds earlier stationed themselves at George Square to 'protect' the Robert Peel statue as protesters made their way to the city centre landmark to call for its removal.
The Press Association reported counter-protesters ran towards a group who had overtaken a police escort and raced towards the square.
However, police officers were able to get themselves in between the two groups before they met.
Meanwhile, missiles were in the city centre as eyewitnesses reported police horses being attacked while officers appealed for calm.
