First Minister Nicola Sturgeon branded protesters “utterly shameful” after Police Scotland averted a clash between two rival groups in Glasgow earlier.
Hundreds of people descended on George Square in Glasgow in defence of a statue of Metropolitan Police founder Robert Peel in an event organised by a group called the Loyalist Defence League.
An earlier protest calling for its removal organised by the Glasgow Youth Art Collective was cancelled.
There was disruption after a small group people, whose affiliation is not known, could be seen coming down North Hanover Street prompting hundreds of counter-protesters to begin running towards the group before police were able to get in between the two.
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Missiles could be seen flying between the two groups as police, with their batons drawn, formed a line across the street.
The unknown group were forced back up North Hanover Street, away from the square.
Police Scotland confirmed that none of the groups were believed to be connected to the Black Lives Matter movement.
Asked about the scenes at her daily briefing, Nicola Sturgeon said that whilst she believes in the right to protest, people "should not be taking part in mass gatherings" during the coronavirus outbreak.
Sturgeon criticised the 'shameful behaviour', adding: "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".
Chief Superintendent Alan Murray said both factions involved in the altercation included "known football risk groups".
He added: “A sizeable number of individuals identified as being from various groups gathered in George Square this morning with a stated intention of protecting statues.
“Throughout the day, police officers were required to intervene due to the presence of opposing groups to maintain order and public safety.
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“There have been no arrests in connection with the event today.
“As is usual with events of this nature, a review will take place and should any criminality be identified appropriate action will be taken.”
No arrests have been made so far.
